Some of my favorite memories from my childhood include when my mother would sing me to sleep. I can still remember those songs and the peace I felt. I also remember the songs she played in the car and around the house. Eventually, I was able to start making my own music as I began learning piano and viola. It was exciting to discover these skills and develop my talents in music. Most people can probably also remember moments from their childhood when music impacted them in one way or another. We often hear that music can have a positive influence on a child’s development, but why is that? How can music have such a strong impact from such a young age? The answer can be found in music’s holistic influence on child development.
Prenatal
A baby can start to hear in the womb around 16 weeks into a pregnancy. Already, pathways in the brain are forming that will determine how he or she will experience life through sound. Studies have shown that sharing music with babies in the womb can help prepare their brains for developing speech and listening skills after birth. Although music can help development, it’s best to do so with caution. A baby’s hearing is still very sensitive while in the womb as it develops, so it is recommended that sound doesn’t get above 65 decibels during pregnancy. If you would like more information about how to care for your baby’s hearing while in the womb, you can learn about it here.
Newborn
In addition, music can greatly impact a child’s cognitive development after birth. When young children listen to music, it stimulates several key areas across the brain, such as the sensory cortex, auditory cortex, amygdala (emotional processing), and the hippocampus (memory). This is due to the increased effort required by each area to process the various aspects of a song playing. Memory is enhanced, and concentration is strengthened as the separate brain areas work together. As these processes begin to occur early on in a child’s life, it sets a more secure foundation for their development. The child will benefit from this exposure as they continue to grow.
Childhood
Children also stand to benefit from the important social & emotional advantages that music provides. Music is a universal language, meaning it can be understood regardless of age, culture, nationality, and many other factors. When small children are still learning how to communicate via speech, music can be a powerful tool for helping them understand emotions. This is because listening to music encourages greater emotional intelligence as small children are exposed to a range of emotions while still being in a healthy, safe environment. They are also able to share the experience with others around them, which can increase their empathy and ability to connect with other individuals. This can be a powerful tool in helping them develop socially. Additionally, individuals who listen to music tend to have better mental health and higher levels of happiness. Exposure to music from a young age can set a strong foundation for this in children.
Lastly, sharing music with children can help them develop important skills, such as creativity and organization. Children tend to understand the world around them through their bodies and movement before they understand language. Teaching them how to play an instrument can cultivate this ability so they can better learn how to express themselves and interact with the world around them. Children can explore their creative side and learn more about themselves and their personalities through learning music. In addition, music training is a powerful tool for developing executive function in children and improving their dexterity and fine motor skills. A child learning an instrument must also practice discipline and focus, which are crucial for success later down the road. The combination of all these skills can propel children forward as they come across future opportunities in their lives.
Music clearly has a positive impact on young children’s development, but how can you share it more with your own children? You can sing to them, choose musical toys for them to play with, and play classical music to help soothe them. There are many different ways, but these are some examples of things to try. A child’s experiences in the first few years of their life will have a lasting effect on the rest of it, and music is a powerful tool to support them in this time. I’ve seen it work in my own life, and I hope you can see it in the lives of your children as well!
