In addition to going to a performance from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, how can parents help their children develop a passion for music and the arts at home? Tatiana Mann, wife to Arkansas Symphony Orchestra conductor Philip Mann, teaches private lessons to children as young as five and six years old. Here are her tips:

1. Normalize classical music. “I think for a lot of people, classical music seems like a strange and foreign entity. Special can be great, but sometimes special means intimidating and foreign,” says Tatiana. “Sometimes just put a classical music CD in—whatever you like to listen to. Don’t make a barrier between classical music and your family. Incorporate it into daily life. While you’re making dinner, say ‘We’re going to put on this pretty music.’”

2. Make it fun and easy. “Make it a positive experience and a special experience, but not something that they feel restricted or uncomfortable doing. Make it easy, make it fun, make it joyful,” she says. “They have this series called Beethoven’s Wig, where they take classical music themes and make up songs to them. I love that!”

3. Engage the whole family. “Make it into a game. Participate with your kids,” Tatiana suggests. “Ask questions: ‘What kind of instrument is playing? When do you think this was written?’ Or, ‘What do you think this is about? Let’s make up a story.’”

4. Start early. “I start teaching children how to play the instrument at five or six, but you can start teaching music much earlier. There are music methods for very young kids, starting at 18 months or two years ... musical concepts: singing along, dancing along, rhythm.”