Concerts & Family Engagement

Jim Gill’s artistry is beyond the music. Each event is more than a performance to watch. Each concert is an opportunity for children, parents, grandparents and caregivers to experience the joy of music play TOGETHER!

Jim Gill playing at a family concert

Watch this video from one of Jim’s family concerts. Notice all of the children, parents and grandparents singing and playing together! Creating opportunities for family play is the focus of Jim’s work.

Unique. Active. Joyful!

Jim Gill has a unique approach to his concerts for young children and families. This is because his graduate studies in child development have convinced him that family play is more important to young children than music alone… whether the music is classical, folk or rock and roll.

Each of Jim’s concerts is an ACTIVE sing-along and clap-along event. He bangs out energetic rhythms on his banjo while everyone claps, jumps, spins and dances along. The concert is filled with songs and stories from Jim’s award-winning recordings and books for young children.

Add a Follow-up Family Literacy Experience!

Jim’s joyful concert can be followed by a “wish-along” family art and literacy activity, based on his book, May There Always Be Sunshine. Jim leads a spirited, musical discussion with children and their families to inspire them to talk together about what they most value in the world. Then, with the help of family members and caring adults, these ideas become words on a page, ready for children to illustrate! This activity is adaptable for families with children all across the ages (0-3, preschoolers and school-aged children) and provides a model for continued family engagement at home! Download a two page description of this special Sing-along, Read-along and Wish-along Concert Event! 

Family Engagement

Jim Gill is the family engagement specialist. Jim engages the children, parents and grandparents in joyful, energizing music play in order to inspire them to continue the play at home.

While your event is in the planning stage, Jim sends each client a list of ideas, gathered over 30 years, to help create an environment for the concert that promotes “family room” play. And then, in concert, he shares a repertoire of original songs and books that is specially tailored to the needs of the audience. There might be songs for families with toddlers… songs for families with preschoolers… songs for families of school-aged children… songs for families with children with special needs. Most often audiences include a mix of all of the above and Jim selects the best musical games or books to share to keep everyone actively engaged in the play.

Jim can provide a handout for families with ideas and resources to continue the play at home.

Reach out today if your program is looking for a concert or event that promotes family involvement and family play.