St. Patrick’s Day is a day for celebrating all things Irish! One way to celebrate this special holiday is with music, an integral part of Irish culture. Music is good for human beings, especially children, as it has powerful effects on our minds and emotions.
I grew up in Brittany (Bretagne), France where our Celtic music is very much alive and embraced by the young crowd. My son, Trévor, would yell “It’s MY song!!” as soon as the biniou started to play. Similar to the bagpipe, also called cornemuse, the biniou has a nasal sound and a transcendental drone to it. You feel transported to the land of stories where the Korrigan tries to trick you and where the fairy Morgane uses her power to protect the people of the Celtic world.
Research has shown that listening to music, playing instruments and singing can have a variety of positive effects on both adults and children, not just on St. Patrick’s Day! Music can help reduce stress and boost our mood, providing a sense of well-being. It has also been linked to improved self-esteem, better memory, increased creativity and better concentration.
How do we celebrate?
One of the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is with traditional Irish music. While the traditional Irish sound is unmistakable, the genre has evolved over the years, drawing inspiration from both traditional Irish reels and contemporary artists alike. Listening to or playing traditional Irish instruments such as the fiddle and tin whistle can be a great way to get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day and immerse yourself in the culture!
The popular band Chieftains are one of the most recognizable names in the Irish musical landscape, having performed together since 1962. Their sound is a blend of traditional Irish folk tunes with modern instrumentation and arrangements, making them beloved by fans around the world. Other notable artists include Van Morrison, U2 and The Dubliners who have all had huge success internationally with their distinctively Irish sounds.
Whether you choose to listen to or play music this St Patrick’s Day, it’s always an opportunity to learn more about traditional Irish culture and its people. A little music goes a long way in being able to connect with this wonderful holiday!
It’s never too late to introduce music to your child
Introducing music from a different culture to your child is a great way to stimulate their creativity and help them learn to express themselves on a completely different level. Not only have studies found that early exposure to music improves a child’s language and cognitive skills, they have also shown that it amplifies the potential for success in school environments.
Additionally, when music is included in regular daily activities, it can help create positive memories and emotional connections between parents and children, leading to better family relationships. It’s never too late to introduce your child to music – even if they are a little too old for traditional music classes. Singing, dancing or playing an instrument can provide powerful bonding experiences and enhance the learning process. Music can also help teach kids about rhythm, pitch, organization, and other artistic elements that can foster their development.
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