Benefits of Music Education

As we all know, music can soothe a screaming toddler, however there is now much research to show that music also enhances intelligence, coordination, emotional expression, creativity, and socialization skills.

Don Campbell, author of "The Mozart Effect for Children" calls music “a power bar for the brain”; not a frill, but a developmental necessity in early childhood.

Music Enhances Intelligence

Music plays a critical role in the process of “wiring” the brain from the first days of life.

One study showed that high school students who sang or played an instrument scored 52 points higher on the SAT than those who did not.

Don Campbell says that it’s important that children actively participate in music and not just listen to music.

When young children sing, chant, and participate in rhythmic play they can increase their vocabulary immensely. Making up songs about everyday activities is a fun way to bring music into the home.

Music Helps Motor Development and Coordination

The ear’s primary function is coordination and balance within the body. When we pace things with a musical beat we become more coordinated.

Bouncing, swaying, and dancing with your child from a very early age, along with movement games and experimentation with various sounds such as rattles, drums or even spoons, can help greatly in his or her motor coordination.

Music Increases Emotional Awareness

Music can give children a place for their emotions. It can help soothe and calm a child who is scared or upset.

As children learn to play an instrument it can be a wonderful way to encourage self-expression.

Music Strengthens Social Skills

Listening is the key to communication.

While teaching a young child the relationship between sound and emotion in music, the child learns to discern the emotional state of those around him by their speech.

Group music instruction increases confidence and self esteem and the ability to enjoy a sense of community. Shy children gain confidence and interaction skills. Active children learn to calm down, listen, and wait for their turn. Group music instruction is best until age 6 or 7.

Children learn, develop, and grow at their own pace and each child learns something different to make their future social interactions more positive.

Music Aids in Relaxation and Stress Reduction

Music has been shown to reduce heart rate, breathing, and stress hormones in stressful situations. Because stress obstructs learning, it is difficult for children be productive in school unless they are able to relieve stress.

In addition, babies have been shown to fall asleep much easier and sleep more soundly when put to bed listening to music. As a added bonus, they also develop an “ear” for music.

Nurturing Your Budding Musician

Learning an instrument or singing has been linked with improved spatial coordination, creativity,
math skills, and the ability to learn a foreign language.

There are many educational benefits to early childhood music instruction as well as the exhilaration that comes from listening to and creating music.