Every year, on October 1st, we celebrate World Music Day, an occasion dedicated to honoring this art form that transcends cultures, languages, and generations. Music, whether it’s a simple hummed melody or a grand symphony, plays an essential role in our lives, especially in the lives of our children. Beyond its purely entertaining aspect, music holds a special place in the development of children. From an early age, it stimulates the brain, encourages creativity, learning, and socialization. In fact, music helps children develop their language skills, improving their memory, attention, and ability to distinguish sounds. Repetitive songs and rhymes, for example, aid in language acquisition by enriching vocabulary and facilitating the understanding of grammatical structures.
But the impact of music doesn’t stop there. It is also a powerful tool for emotional expression. Through music, children learn to recognize and deal with their own feelings, while also discovering the emotions of others. This contributes to their emotional development and empathy.
Furthermore, musical practice develops fine motor skills and better coordination, especially when it involves playing an instrument. It also encourages discipline and perseverance, as learning to master an instrument or a vocal technique requires time and effort.
In short, music is much more than just a pastime for children; it is a true catalyst for their overall development, providing them with valuable tools to grow, learn, and thrive in a constantly evolving world.
In this article, for World Music Day, let’s groove as a family to the rhythm of the notes and celebrate music in all its forms.
Percussion Workshop – Os tambores falam, os tambores contam histórias
«Os tambores falam…» is a vibrant and interactive workshop designed for young people. Children will be introduced to the magical world of percussion through hands-on experiences with various percussion instruments of African origin. Through group and individual activities, they will learn basic notions of rhythm, beats, and timing, developing musical skills in a fun way. This is more than just a percussion workshop; it is a celebration of music and the joy of making sound together. Part of the exhibition «Nosso Barco Tambor Terra» by Ernesto Neto. With André Dez. (October 5th, 11:00 am, MAAT Education Center and Exhibition Space, ages 7 to 12)
Brincar com a Música
The Banda de Música da Sociedade Recreativa e Cultural de Pinteus will «Play with Music» in a session dedicated to babies and children (6-36 months), which will take place on September 28th, at 3:00 pm, at the Biblioteca Municipal Ary dos Santos in Sacavém. Part of the «Tardes em Cheio» program, this session takes us on a musical journey dedicated to the little ones, where we will spread the magic of sounds as if they were a gentle spring breeze.
Cat e TuMias – O concerto
Cat and the cat TuMias (a very special cat who doesn’t know how to meow) are going to give a concert specially designed for the little ones. With live music, this concert will take the whole family on a fun journey where they will learn more about some animals and the importance of being different. It’s a show where, through music, we will explore themes such as inclusion, friendship, emotions, and caring for animals! (September 28th, 3:30 pm, and October 6th, 10:30 am, Boutique da Cultura, for all ages)
Caixa Alfama 2024
Caixa Alfama celebrates the meeting of a country with its own music. For two days, Portuguese songs fill the streets of the Alfama neighborhood, creating a landscape that intertwines with the voices, the strumming of the guitar, and poetry that flows through the streets and alleys… The various stages scattered throughout this Lisbon neighborhood are living proof that Fado can be many things at once, while always remaining uniquely Portuguese. Free entry for children aged 6 to 9 years. (September 27th and 28th, various venues in the Alfama neighborhood, suitable for ages 6 and up)
Garfield – Um musical com gatitude
Based on the series «Garfield» by Jim Davis, «Garfield – Um musical com gatitude» is a fun musical story about a chubby, sarcastic tabby cat who dreams of having the most amazing birthday in the history of birthdays… especially since this not-so-humble pet believes he deserves to be the best cat of all time! Unfortunately, all his friends—Arlene, Odie, Jon, and even his enemy, Nermal—seem to have forgotten his birthday. Feeling rejected and frustrated, Garfield sets off on an adventure and decides to leave his home in search of excitement. But he quickly realizes that home is where the heart is… and the food! (Starting from September 28th, Taguspark, suitable for ages 3 and up)
Os Miúdos do Rock – Show
Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon is pleased to present «Os Miúdos do Rock,» an incredible journey through the greatest rock hits of all time, seen through the eyes of Rockie, who at just 9 years old, already has the big dream of becoming the biggest rock star ever! What musical adventures will Rockie and Chico Roll, his best friend (and eternal Jimi Hendrix fan), experience? What secret message will Rockie find on his guitar? Will dreams and determination be enough to win the School Talent Show? And what will happen when his father (a strict mathematician) finds out he ran away from home to participate? Don’t miss it!! A children’s and youth show like never seen before in Portugal!
The event has the following schedule:
* 10:30 am: Doors Open
* 11:00 am – 11:45 am: Live Show – Ground Floor Stage
* 12:00 pm: Lunch (includes 1 main course per person/child + 1 soft drink)
* 1:00 pm: End of event
Children up to 2 years old have free admission. (October 6th, Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon, for all ages)
A Orquestra – Commemorative Show for World Music Day
In Orquestra, a village in the region of Litania, live Tina Trompa, Vitorino Violino, Freddie Fagote, and Tânia Teclas, musical inhabitants who introduce their instruments and their families — the instrument families of the orchestra — through spoken and sung voice. Faced with the appearance of a villain who hates music and steals their musical notes, the four characters embark on an adventure to recover the lost notes. Moving in legato and allegro through various mishaps and unexpected encounters, they discover through music a sense of unity that will change their lives and the history of music forever. (October 5th, 5:00 pm, Seixal Cultural Forum Municipal Auditorium, M/6)
