Benefits of Early Childhood Music Classes
The author’s daughter exploring instruments at 17 months old
Every so often, a caregiver approaches me and says, “We can’t wait to sign our child up for music class when they are older!” As a mom, I get it! There are so many expenses involved in raising a child, so why should someone pay for another class? After all, we listen to music at home! And my child won’t remember anyway…right?
It’s hard for caregivers to see the benefits of enrolling in an early childhood music class…especially in the first 3 years of life. However, research shows that early childhood music experiences are critical in the development of music aptitude (one’s potential to achieve in music). When children have a variety of musical interactions and experiences in the early years, they are more likely to be ready for formal music instruction later in childhood, achieve in music as an adult, and understand and appreciate music throughout their lives (Gordon, 2001).
Music Aptitude
Everyone has a music aptitude and the ability to achieve in music. Music aptitude, one’s potential to achieve in music, stabilizes around age 9 and is most fluid in the first five years of life. Because of the fluidity in the early years, early music experiences are vital in the development of music aptitude (Gordon 2001). This is not to say that children who have limited early childhood music experiences will not achieve musically. Aptitude is a measure of potential, not achievement. Early childhood music experiences are key to maximizing a child’s potential!
Connection
Studies show that parents who engage musically with their children report stronger parent-child relationships and increased confidence in their parenting abilities. Mothers who sing to their babies report feeling more aligned with their mental health and maternal role (Holliday-Bembridge, 2022). We also know that musical engagement in families and peer groups plays an important role in family cohesion, increased mental well-being (for children and families), and positive emotional and social development (Boer and Abubkar, 2014). Music improves mental health, familial bonding, and increases connections between family members and peer groups. As Bill Nye would say, “it’s science!”
Music’s impact on the developing brain
Did you know that hearing develops around 16-18 weeks gestation? Studies show that the developing fetus can interact with sounds as early as the 25th week of pregnancy and by the 32nd week there is a distinct response to sound in the developing brain (Poćwierz-Marciniak and Harciarek, 2021). Babies who are regularly exposed to music during prenatal life are able to recognize familiar tunes after birth (Hepper, 2012)!
Music evokes connections in the brain, impacts our ability to form connections, and is part of our everyday life. Exposing young infants to a rich variety of musical experiences can aid in the development of the brain socially, academically, and musically. Even very young babies can benefit from musical experiences. It’s never too early to start music classes!
So…when is the ideal time to start music classes? As famous ethnomusicologist and composer Zoltán Kodály once said, “nine months before the birth of the mother.”
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References
Baltagi , I. (n.d.). How music affects your baby’s brain: Mini Parenting Master Class. Www.unicef.org. https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/how-music-affects-your-babys-brain-class
Boer, D., & Abubakar, A. (2014). Music listening in families and peer groups: benefits for young people’s social cohesion and emotional well-being across four cultures. Frontiers in Psychology, 5(392). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00392
Early Childhood. (2012, May 24). GIML - the Gordon Institute for Music Learning. https://giml.org/mlt/earlychildhood/
Hepper, P. G. (1991). An Examination of Fetal Learning Before and After Birth. The Irish Journal of Psychology, 12(2), 95–107. https://doi.org/10.1080/03033910.1991.10557830
Holliday-Bembridge, A. (2022). Mamas and Music: A Qualitative Study of Music’s Impact on a Mother’s Mental Health and the Developing Parent-Child Relationship [Review of Mamas and Music: A Qualitative Study of Music’s Impact on a Mother’s Mental Health and the Developing Parent-Child Relationship]. ProQuest.
Mullen, A. (n.d.). Early Childhood Music According to Gordon. The Improving Musician. Retrieved January 7, 2024, from https://theimprovingmusician.com/early-childhood-music-new/#:~:text=Songs%20Without%20Words&text=It
Music Aptitude. (2012, May 25). GIML - the Gordon Institute for Music Learning. https://giml.org/mlt/aptitude/
Poćwierz-Marciniak, I., & Harciarek, M. (2021). The Effect of Musical Stimulation and Mother’s Voice on the Early Development of Musical Abilities: A Neuropsychological Perspective. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(16), 8467. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168467
The Kodály Concept. (n.d.). Kodalyhub.com. Retrieved January 28, 2024, from https://kodalyhub.com/main-principles-of-kodaly-s-music-pedagogy/29-the-kodaly-concept#:~:text=Once%20when%20Kod%C3%A1ly%20was%20asked
