The Importance of Music in Early Childhood Development

From the moment they are born (and even before that) music becomes an important part of our children’s lives. We sing to them, play songs to them, and even most of the educational toys for 3-year-olds have some type of sound effects. A lot of parents believe that listening to classical music can even improve their little one’s intelligence! But can it really? Can music benefit your child and how does it exactly improve their development?

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Playing a musical instrument speeds up brain development

According to a study conducted by USC neuroscientists, musical skills can enhance brain development. By using brain imaging technology researchers have determined that musical training speeds up brain development, especially when it comes to the comprehension of sound. Some physical changes have even been noticed in the brains of the kids who had musical exposure. On the other hand, being a part of a musical group can boost their social skills and help them learn to work in a team.

Listening to music increases toddler’s sensory development

To improve their child’s sensory development, most parents provide sensory stimulation by using taste, textures, and colors. However, listening to different types of music can lead to the creation of numerous pathways that act as information highways between different areas of the brain. Even more ‘highways’ are built when music is linked to activities such as dancing.

Music builds the base of literacy

Did you know that babies are able to hear the difference between different types of sounds? This is why little ones that are just a few weeks old are able to identify their mother’s voice from other people’s voices. Listening to music enhances children’s ability to decode sounds and words and even the simplest nursery rhymes help them use language easily. Through music, kids are able to develop a sense of language rhythm and intonation and build a base for their writing and reading skills.

Music improves motor skills

Learning how to play an instrument can improve your child’s motor skills, especially if they start learning when they are still very little. Playing an instrument can greatly benefit their hand coordination as well as hand-eye coordination. If your little one doesn’t wish to play an instrument, music-related activities such as singing and dancing can boost their overall body coordination.

Music can improve memory

Simple activities children enjoy such as memorizing choreographies can benefit their cognitive skills and improve their memory, concentration, and thinking. Music gives children the opportunity to make spatial relations which lead to overall brain development.

Music teaches patience

If you want to teach your child patience, music can be your trustworthy ally. Your little one can join a choir, learn to play an instrument or simply memorize lyrics by heart and realize what persistence is all about. With every single step they take while striving towards higher achievement they will see that hard work eventually pays off and that investing an effort into something isn’t a waste of time.

Music develops logical thinking

In order to read music kids need to understand fractions, division and keeping rhythm in check. Therefore, by playing an instrument on a regular basis a child can improve these skills and develop logical thinking.

Basically, exposing your little one to music or encouraging them to play an instrument doesn’t really have any negative aspects. Whether your child is the next Beethoven or is completely tone-deaf they can still reap the benefits that music offers. Music can help them with developing intelligence, skills and confidence and enrich their life in so many ways. Therefore, do not hesitate to incorporate it into your kid’s life as soon as they are born.