Rockford musicians hope to give children an appreciation for classical music

The Music Academy, a not-for-profit school of music in Rockford, hosted a Family Friendly Faculty Recital at the Rockford Public Library, at 215 N Wyman Street, on Monday.

Artists and faculty from the Music Academy hosted activities such as dancing, drawing, and coloring to help students engage with the music in a “stress-free environment.”

Parents were encouraged to bring a pillow or blanket to sit on during the event.

Music Academy Executive Director Laura Eakman said, “I think that people feel like classical music specifically is not very accessible and that it’s boring perhaps. And so, with this kind of activity, classical music doesn’t have to be boring. Kids usually don’t think it’s boring. It’s kind of the environment people respond to. So, by making it a more kid-friendly environment, we think that families and kids, specifically, will grow up with a life long love of music.”

Monday’s event was funded by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.