Music of all sorts plays an integral role in cultures all around the world. It can be found everywhere: movies, television, religious observance, holidays, traditions, government and military ceremonies, the list goes on! In the home, music is often an intimate, although sometimes overlooked, part of culture and tradition – a natural part of our everyday experiences.
From birth, people instinctively use music to calm and soothe youngsters. A fun beat will instinctively cause a child to dance and use their bodies to reflect what they’re hearing. Music impacts children’s development at all stages, solidifying connections in the brain related to language and reasoning, as well as helping establish social and listening skills.
Music can accelerate brain development
According to recent studies, music can effectively increase brain development in childhood, especially in the areas of reading and language acquisition skills. However, educational benefit isn’t the sole advantage of music education and exposure: it ignites all areas of child development in aspects such as social-emotional, motor skills, language, memorization, and overall well-being. Children respond to music positively both physically and mentally. Exposure to music at a young age helps children learn the sounds and meanings of words in a different and fresh way. Even as adults, we know that songs are a great way to remember things – take one we all know, The Alphabet Song! Song and dance teaches youngsters large motor skills, while learning to play an instrument helps develop fine motor.
Music gives children the power of expression
Children of all ages express themselves through music. Even young infants sway, bounce, or move their hands in response to a melody or beat. Preschoolers subconsciously will sing to themselves as they play; children in primary school learn to sing as a group. Experiencing music with peers can provide a strong bonding opportunity, and it can be used to make friendships and share feelings with one another. Offering the privilege of a musical education will provide the pleasure and accomplishment that learning music brings. Additionally, it helps reinforce lifelong habits that are essential to success in any area – diligence, hard work, and practice. Within a group setting, healthy competition, team-building, and friendships form easily as children work together to play instruments or sing together. Music education in a group provides a safe and fun environment in which students learn to cooperate and listen to one another to fulfill a goal only achieved by working together.
Creates a sense of familiarity as they progress through the school setting
Preschoolers enjoy both singing and being sung to. They are not self-conscious concerning their ability and are often happy to let their voices roar! Young children respond positively to repetitive melodies and lyrics, simple rhythms, and happy, upbeat music. Students love songs that are written about things they can relate to – toys, animals, fun activities, and people. They love silly songs too, with nonsense rhymes and words that make them laugh.
There is no drawback to exposing a child to the world of music. We benefit from the advantages of music from the instant we’re born. Though a decent dose of Mozart is perhaps not instantly increasing our brainpower, it’s educational, delightful, and gives us new appreciation for art, history, and the world around us. Whether it a soothing lullaby or a fun dance tune, the power of music in children is evident through its many benefits to the mind and body. From strengthening listening and language skills to solidifying social and motor skills, music enlivens and enriches the lives of young children and also those that look after them.
