Benefits of Early Music Education
Research has shown that early exposure of children to music can improve their verbal intelligence in as little as 20 days of instruction. This exposure can be focused on the strengths or interests of each child. For example, for older children perhaps the music instrument is a violin or guitar, but for the pre-school aged children, simply playing with them and encouraging the exploration of imagination and curiosity will ignite many of the neural pathways that are mentioned in Dr. Sylvain Moreno’s work.
Play is the language of learning and work for children. The quality of play at young ages is correlated with the environmental objects and experiences the child is exposed to. If the music environment provides exposure to various spacial, tonal, and rhythmic options, the child will significantly increase their music aptitude.
Music has always been an integral part of the human psyche and connection; it is as basic a skill as walking or talking. Music is an alternative means of communication that activates multiple senses at many levels. Music provides an opportunity for children to create spontaneous adventures, safely explore surroundings, in addition to facilitating successful completion of early developmental stages. Like many inborn skills, music can atrophy without stimulation. Negative influences may inhibit the child’s potential for musical growth should the child be deprived of musical stimulation at a young age.
Parents and guardians play a very important role in their child’s music acquisition. They provide the child with the necessary exposure to a chosen environment. Parents can play different music genres and encourage the child to clap, bang, crawl, dance, or laugh along with the music. Using household items to create sounds is a cost effective early intervention. Sharing this early interpersonal connection with the child will additionally develop the child’s relationship and attachment to the caregiver.
As children get older, providing this music stimulation in new ways continues to build upon the same neural connections that were made in early childhood. Piano lessons for kids help them in school, raise self-esteem, increase coordination, heighten concentration, and facilitate the development of a well-rounded child.
The benefits aren’t limited to music education, but span numerous areas of cognitive development. Improvements were seen in language, attention, creativity, as well as building emotional intelligence and resiliency. An additional way to bring music into your young child’s life is through music therapy.
Music therapy is one of several expressive arts therapies that provide clinical, evidence-based therapeutic interventions to achieve agreed upon goals. Music therapy benefits physical, psychological, cognitive, behavioral, and/or social functioning. Music processes information on both sides of the brain simultaneously, this stimulation is used for some speech/language acquisition; in addition music serves as a high motivator, calming agent, as well as coping strategy. It is common knowledge that as children get older, students that are involved in music tend to perform better academically. Perhaps it is the disciple of learning to practice each day, establishing routines, and diligence that augments these positive work ethic skills in children at an early age.
16 Comments
Samuel T. Cummins
Thanks for gathering and taking time to create this wonderful article . ! As a music lover and a father to two adorable kids I appreciate every bit of this article. Growing up in a musically rich environment is often advantageous for children’s development. We all play an instrument in our family and I think music is so important.
Angelica
I totally think music plays a way bigger role than most people give it credit for! I played the violin when I was 9-12 years old, but my dumb butt gave it up when I hit junior high and it was SO not cool to be in orchestra. Wish I had stuck with it, I don’t even remember how to read music anymore let alone what to do with the dusty violin in my closet!
Lyndsey
I grew up listening to my grandpas bluegrass music and still love it to this day! Music is very important!
Carol Smith
I am so glad that music has become an important part of the eductaion system. Music is a wonderful therapy aid at any age.
Kelsey
I definitely agree on your points on music education. Singing was definitely a large part of my life growing up.
Dee Lafrenz
I have a friend that has a masters degree in special education. She uses music to get thru to kids with special needs. My hats off to her. She has the patience of a Saint, literally!
Sarah L
I have always had music in my life. I played clarinet up through college and have been singing for the last 25 years.
Rosie
I started playing piano at a young age. I loved it and stuck with it for many years. I would highly recommend it, but you need to find the right teacher for your child. One that pushes too hard will backfire and they will turn to hate it!!! So, no need to be a tiger mom about it. I did it for fun and nobody pushed me too harad, and that was perfect.
Brandi Dawn
One of my best friends growing up says he hated that his mom made him take piano lessons and hated every lesson he sat through, but as an adult it is now one of his greatest appreciations.
Cheryl
Early music education really is important. My piano lessons have stayed with me all my life, and it made learning guitar that much easier.
PuffyBiggler
That’s amazing that verbal communication can be improved in just 20 days. Thanks for sharing!
Tamra Phelps
I agree that music definitely helps kids learn. For one thing, they love music & you learn things much quicker if you are having fun!
KATE SARSFIELD
I use music a lot in my classes to help children with intellectual disabilities to learn. Much the same as you get Alice to clean her teeth, many things can be taught through song & dance, action songs etc. I’ve even had one child who had elective mutism, i.e. she could but wouldn’t speak. The use of song helped her to communicate her needs & gradually she became confident eneough to talk again.
Laura
My Mom had us take piano lessons growing up. I really enjoyed it. I’m sure I’ll do the same when my husband and I have kids!
Donna Martin
Music was the glue that help me together. Schools should always encouraged music as a way to broaden one’s horizons…