Do your still children still have music class in school? If not, you might think about finding a good piano or violin teacher. Studies show that music instruction appears to accelerate brain development in young children, particularly in the areas of the brain responsible for processing sound, language development, speech perception and reading skills.
According to initial results of a five-year study by USC neuroscientists, music instruction speeds up auditory pathway development in the brain and increases its efficiency. In other words, the neuronal path from the ear to the brain gets stronger. This process helps accelerate the development of language and reading, two key components to academic success!
So, how can we introduce our kids to music?
1. Start young!
Sing nursery rhymes and make instruments out of items around the house to make music time a fun time!
2. Join a Mommy and me music group.
Isn’t everything more fun with friend? Joining a toddler group will help your baby learn social skills along with an appreciation of music. It doesn’t hurt that you might make a friend a long the way!
3. Support music in the schools.
Many school budgets do not support the arts. Having musical instruction in school is not only great for cognitive development, but also for improving team work, critical thinking, and imagination. Music class also provides an stress-busting environment for older children who might have a schedule full of tough classes the rest of the day.
4. If you play an instrument, don’t stop!
If you hear stories about famous singers and musicians, many give acknowledge the fact that their parents played an instrument, or that their dad always had jazz in the background. It may not always seem like it, but children do model their parents’ behavior. If we play an instrument or sing around the house, our kids are more likely to do the same!
5. Find a good music teacher.
When your child is old enough, try sending her to an age appropriate music camp, or sign up for piano (or any instrument) lessons. We can’t force our children to like an instrument, but we can expose them to different forms of music in different environments. The possibilities are endless!
Resources:
https://knowridge.com/2017/01/childrens-brains-develop-faster-with-music-training/
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/wentworth-courier/finding-the-keys-to-longevity-playing-piano-makes-people-smarter-happier/news-story/4bcf95846208a8da484923d315403766
http://www.nafme.org/20-important-benefits-of-music-in-our-schools/