I get a little bit homesick sometimes. But there’s one thing I never have to worry about missing here in Argentina: American music. The 80’s are very popular here and it seems like Journey will never, ever, ever, not ever stop believing. (Note to Journey, it’s okay to stop believing. I promise.) Any time we’re out and hear some American pop or rock, my six-year old pauses and listens to the words. He raises his arms and tries a little air guitar, which is pretty exciting for me. I want him to love music, and play instruments. That’s why we bought him a guitar for his 5th birthday. Well grandma did, not sure the wife would have allowed me to buy him one. I’m an ex-player myself, but it’s been a long, long time and sometimes I can’t remember much. That’s where the music app Guitar Suite comes in handy.

The structure of Guitar Suite makes it a good starting point for a kid and for a dad who doesn’t quite know where to start when teaching his kid how to play music. Guitar Suite has five screens that we can focus on: chords, scales, tune by ear, play and metronome. We’ve been spending a lot of time on tune by ear. It was something I was never able to do well and I want my son to learn it while he is still young. But my son likes to make it as out of tune as possible and then make scary faces to accompany the near ear-splitting sounds. (Future punk rocker? Perhaps, but I’m okay with that.) We also use Metronome to not only understand rhythm, but it’s a great lesson fractions and time. I love finding everyday ways to explain math and science, and music is a good way to do it.

While we’re practicing, I can turn down the volume or we can share some earphones so it’s a great activity for those quiet times when the baby and the wife are taking a nap. And I’m starting to see progress with my son too. Before Guitar Suite, his playing was more like playing the air guitar. Now, at least, his fingers are close to the right place on his guitar.

Parents, I encourage you to try Guitar Suite. I think it is also a great way to see if your kids are ready for a real guitar before you to spend a whole bunch of money on lessons and instruments (and earplugs).

How do you support your kids’ love of music? Tell me in comments. I’m always looking for new ideas…that don’t involve Steve Perry.