As W flings his miniature body across his miniature piano, creating an avalanche of sound with his stomach and knees and feet (note: his hands are nowhere near the keys), I wonder if he inherited his father’s musical ability or if he’ll end up like me—tone deaf and instrument-phobic, left playing the egg shaker at his in-laws’ family gatherings.
I hope for the best and so encourage his musical experimentation (until the headache creeps up and begs for a quiet, introspective child prone to reading and drawing and other silent activities) with a variety of kid-sized instruments like Melissa and Doug’s piano complete with color-coded keys and songbook. Plan Toys also nurtures novice musicians with a starter baby drum or a more advanced drum set made from natural rubber wood and non-toxic paints.
