There’s an old joke that asks:

“What’s the difference between a rock guitarist and a jazz guitarist?”

Answer:

That may be true, but if you want a stone cold hit you need to write a four chord song. Don’t believe me? Check out “The Four Chord Song” by Australian comedy rock band Axis of Awesome.

Well-trained ears may even pick out what the four chords are (guitarists: no peeking at Lee’s left hand!)

Warning: This video contains a few F bombs if you are offended by such things or you want to play it to youngsters please use the following link: Kid-friendly version

It turns out that the four magical chords are E, B, C# minor and A. But with so many chords to choose from, why did dozens of hit songs end up with the same four chords?

At first glance, it seems strange that so many songs should have the same chords. After all, with 12 notes to choose from, and a choice of major or minor, there should be thousands of pleasant-sounding chord progressions and we should never need to repeat ourselves. Unfortunately for budding songwriters, the odds are that picking four chords at random will result in something that sounds horrible. So what are the secrets behind those four magical chords? To find an answer we need to understand where chords come from.
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In the last Music & Life article we looked at the role of songs in children’s musical development, and the many ways songs can be integrated into a child’s life. We’ve also looked at how lullabies help your child’s musical appreciation. Today we’re releasing two free songs which can help develop your child’s aural skills!

Music & Life author Sabrina Peña Young has composed these songs to help children learn about different intervals and rhythms.

Froggy Interval Hop

Here’s a fun little song which runs through major scale intervals from a second up to a fifth. With younger children you don’t need to worry about the interval names, but just singing the song will help them get used to different melodic leaps. Older children can use the song to help them learn the sound of each interval!
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Children love to sing. Listen to a group of schoolchildren at the playground, and you will hear a mix of imagined songs, favorite nursery rhymes, and popular tunes intermingled with giggles and laughter. Making music seems hardwired to our DNA since childhood. Even as adults, we sing loudly in the shower or car when we think no one can hear. Music is an expression of life.

Singing gives children the freedom to express themselves in unique ways[1]. A child can immerse herself in a made-up song about rainbows, or a young boy can remember his mother by singing a favorite nighttime lullaby. Children socialize through songs and dance, learning how to interact with others through silly nonsensical song play. While you might not understand why your child wants to sing “B-I-N-G-O” or “Baby Beluga” fifty times in a row, at least you know that your child’s singing will increase her communication and vocabulary[2][3].

Singing to your child helps you pass down an important part of your own childhood and history to a new generation. Singing not only benefits your child but helps relieve stress and allows you to express emotions deep within[4].

Don’t forget to check out Music & Life: Rockin’ Baby Lullabies for great information about singing lullabies to young children and babies.

10 ways to enliven your days with song

Try some of these practical ways to add singing to your life and your child’s everyday experiences:

1. Sing your favorite childhood songs

Share fun songs from your childhood. Whether you sing Kermit’s “It’s Not Easy Being Green” or The ABC Song, your child will learn about singing in tune while sharing some of your favorite tunes.

2. Clap your hands!

As you sing, add fun gestures like stomping, clapping, waving your arms, and dancing.

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