Many women have started their babies on music before they were born. While studies have not shown any evidence of increased IQ in babies exposed to music in the womb, experts agree that the little ones obviously enjoy it. If you’re thinking about this, remember that it’s noisy inside your belly with gurgles and heartbeats and your voice. Keep the volume down. Most experts recommend that you listen to music but do not use ear plugs on your belly. Your unborn child can hear your voice. Sing.
Getting your child involved in music can start right after birth. Sing to your baby and make it a tradition. Sing your child to sleep every night. Encourage the child to learn the words and sing with you. Play music during the day. Dance with your toddler to whatever music you love. Your little one will love it. And that background will make it easier to interest your child in music when he or she is old enough.
But what benefits does your child accrue from being involved in music?
1. Brain enhancement
Studies have shown increases in IQ in children who took music lessons. The increases were not great but were consistent. In addition, other studies have shown significant brain growth in musical children. Music stimulates the brain. This causes new neural synapses to develop and the brain flourishes. Learning music requires that the child use both short and long term memory, a process that improves their academic skills.
2. Development of language skills
Children who are exposed to a musical education early tend to be more proficient at learning languages. Learning the sounds of music helps them when they are learning the sounds of language. The musical training develops the left side of the brain, especially in the area where language is processed. This facility with verbal skills gives musical children an advantage in social settings.
3. Development of math skills
The relationship between math and music has been noted for centuries. There is evidence from a study that six months of music lessons improves the child’s ability to solve multi-step problems mentally by 30% over children who took computer lessons or no lessons. This is related to the child’s ability to handle mathematics and problem solving situations, such as chess. Mozart was skilled in math. Einstein was a brilliant violinist. Art Garfunkel and Thelonious Monk were math wizards as well as famous musicians. Music and math usually go together.
4. Discipline and patience
The young musician soon learns that he has to follow the beat of the musical piece, not his own whim. Practicing a song or learning to play an instrument requires discipline and develops patience. Children come to understand that they will not be able to achieve their goals without hours, days, weeks, even years of practice.
5. Social skills
While they are young, children generally find themselves participating in group activities centered around music: chorus, band, choir, or even setting up their own musical group. Nothing teaches social skills better than being involved in a social group. They learn to respect others’ achievements and to interact with their peers as they come to understand their part within the group.
6. Development of creativity
Musicians are creative. Whether they write music, play an instrument, or sing, they are building an abstract beauty. Children come to appreciate this fact quickly. The artistry will overflow into the rest of their lives.
If your child decides to take up an instrument, he or she will develop fine motor skills and coordination. Whether or not your little one goes on to cultivate a taste for music, the exposure to beat, rhythm, tunes in early life will bring nothing but good. Children develop skill sets they will use in all aspects of their lives.
Learning music is a foundation that supports all other types of learning.
