There is little dispute amongst experts on the importance of music in early childhood. Music can play an important role in early childhood development. In fact, studies suggest that kids who study music from an early age reap educational benefits in both math and reading.
Not only can early childhood music education help benefit a child’s overall development, but it can also help build emotional and social skills, build cognitive abilities, increase overall language capabilities, improve memory capacity, develop impulse control, and set the foundation for a life-long love of music.
It Is Never Too Early To Learn
It is never too early to enroll a child in music classes or engage a child in musical activities. Children begin learning music as soon as they are born. Infants are able to listen, watch, and experiments with sounds. Eventually, babies sing, chant rhythmically, and experiment with vocal controls.
Babies are born ready to explore the rich world of musical sound and the more exposure to music the better they will be at developing their own musical skills and abilities. In fact, the process of musical learning uniquely corresponds to the way in which children learn language.
Music Classes For Kids
Music classes for kids can be a fun, engaging, and positive learning experiences for young children. Structured classes led by specialists can add a new depth to the benefits reaped by children engaging in music at an early age. Music classes actively engage three of the five senses and promote learning within young children in unparalleled ways. Kids participating in music classes may be watching, listening, or clapping, but their mind is far more active than we can readily understand.
Experts are still studying the many ways in which early engagement with music benefits children. However, they all agree that the benefits are very real. Those studying music’s benefit on early childhood development agree that musical learning somehow engages all the other forms of learning. This type of learning becomes especially important when you consider that 90 percent of the brain’s development happens before the age of five.
The earlier the better with musical education. Newborns, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are little sponges just waiting to soak up all knowledge, and music is a powerful tool in helping them do just that.
Finding The Right Program
Looking for the right music class for your child? Start by asking friends, family, neighbors, coworkers for their recommendations. Also, check out some local kids boutiques, toy stores, and play centers for information. Many of the programs will let you attend or try out one of the classes for free before signing up. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and shop around until you find the right class for you and your child.
Music Activities For kids
Musical activities can benefit kids of all ages. Even if you choose not to enroll your kids in music classes you can still allow your kids to participate in musical activities. Make it a family activity. Music activities for kids can be fun for the whole family and can be a very family-centered, fun way to play. Break out the pots and pans, put on your favorite songs, and dance with your kids. Music is fun!
Find Musical Education That Fits Your Needs
Music School For Kids
Kids who show a great deal of interest in music will benefit from the intensive classes offered in a music school for kids. Schools specifically designed for music education help create a lifelong music lover and help children reach their full musical potential. If you are interested in finding a music school in your area, look for a school with a proven track record of success, check out online reviews, and ask a local musical professional who it is that they recommend.
Private Lessons
Early childhood music education does not necessarily mean that your child must go to a music school for kids. Private lessons provide a reasonable option for many children. Consider what type of lessons you would like to give your child and what sort of instrument that you would like for your child to play. A number of factors should be considered in choosing which instrument to play.
Consider the following questions:
● Does your child have an instrument in mind?
● Does your child’s temperament match the instrument that she/he wishes to play?
● Can instrument can you afford to buy and maintain?
● What instrument can you listen to for extended periods of practice time?
● Is there a musical style that excites your child?
Any instrument can be a great way to learn, but many experts suggest starting with piano lessons. If you, like many parents, have a child beginning with piano lessons then you will need to first begin by finding great piano teachers in your area. Optimally they should have experience teaching kids piano. Look for established area teachers and read reviews.
Once you have a teacher in your sights, set up a meeting with you and your child. Don’t do all the talking for you child during the meeting. You want to make sure that your child and the teacher will be able to work well with one another.
Thanks to the insight provided by Wendy’s Music, a music school in Melbourne, providing a range of music courses for kids of all ages.
About the Writer
This post is written by Sally is a working woman and a mother of 2 kids (currently 10 and 8), living in a suburb of Brisbane. As mom, she learn so much about providing healthier and happier lifestyle for her kids. You can find more of her articles being featured on www.mouthsofmums.com.au.
Images provided by Sally.