Music - for too many families - is seen as an activity that parents endorse by purchasing "lessons" in particular instruments. Parents dutifully organise piano or violin lessons in the belief that the music teacher - in half an hour once a week - will turn their child into a musician.

Lessons are great, if you can afford them. But music should really be an intrinsic part of family life bringing joy, fun and dance into the house.

Nurturing Your Child with Music: Creating Happy, Smart and Confident Children by John M Ortiz (Newleaf, £10.99) is a how-to guide for parents who want to develop their children's musical appreciation.

Ortiz, a psychologist, believes that by encouraging "sound awareness" parents can help their children develop academic skills, raise their self-esteem, help them to relax, get to sleep, improve their communication and listening skills or simply enjoy themselves.

Parents don't have to be musical to take advantage of this book, which includes musical listening "menus" for children of all ages - from those still in the womb to teenagers.

The suggestions in the book are based on Ortiz's 20 years of clinical and research experience. "A powerful force that is commonly taken for granted, music can be consciously used to serve many purposes," he writes.

"It can be used as a motivator or a reward for chores completed and responsibilities met. It can be very effective academically by helping to structure learning, reduce boredom and block out bothersome external noises (or internal thought chatter).

"It can manage time by setting a desired pace. By stimulating thoughts, activating emotions and eliminating awkward silence, music helps to inspire social conversation, helping us to build and develop relationships."

It is an inspiring book and essential for every parent's bookshelf.