The Sound of Music

A 3-year-old kid can't learn music.

Or at least, that's what I would have said if you had asked my view on preschoolers taking music lessons about 5 years ago. Coming up on our 5th anniversary, I realize how many erroneous ideas I've grown up with that my awesome wife has helped to dispel over time. And don't worry, I've helped her grow in patience so it's definitely a team effort. 😂

How does a young child benefit from being introduced to music at such a young age though? And are these benefits truly worth the time and effort? Well, if you currently feel the way I used to or are still on the fence about it, here are 2 things that changed my perspective:

1.Cognitive Development

2.Emotional/Social Skills

Little Brains, Big World

"Train a youth in the way they should go; Even when they grow old they will not depart from it."

This ancient proverb is basically saying that children are like arrows; the way you aim affects where they land, and music can raise that trajectory to new heights! For example, in an article titled "How musical training affects cognitive development", the NLM (National Library of Medicine) says this:

"Children who undergo musical training have better verbal memory, second language pronunciation accuracy, reading ability and executive functions. Learning to play an instrument as a child may even predict academic performance and IQ in young adulthood."

So all of those little Bachs and Beethovens are on their way to becoming little Einsteins too! (Minus the crazy hair....unless you're into that sort of thing.🤷🏾‍♂️)

Music isn't just something fun to keep kids occupied, it can actually grow and shape their cognitive function in a positive way. Just turn the music up and aim high! 🏹

"I Love You, You Love Me"

Barney knew that connecting socially was vital for 90's kids and today is no different. How does music actually help in this respect though? Notice what Growing Sound™ says in the article "The Power of Music:" 

" Music has the power to build social bonds, whether it’s through singing rounds or playing interactive musical games. These activities require children to pay attention to their peers, synchronize their movements, and cooperate towards a common goal. By actively engaging with others in a musical context, children develop social skills such as active listening, empathy, and the ability to work collaboratively."

Also, another article from Cambridge Montessori Global says that "Children who enjoy and study music can be more emotionally developed, with empathy towards other cultures. They also tend to have higher self-esteem and are better at coping with anxiety. "

So music also helps open those pathways that foster real connection with other people too, and the sooner in life this happens the better. There's no better time for the kiddos to sing along together. 😁

The Debut

What does music sound like?

I don't know about you but that's such an abstract question for me to answer, and I bet that mine would be different from yours, and yours from the next person's. It may sound like a bright, morning Song Thrush cry in spring, or feel like the lullaby of a howling wind chill outside on winter nights. Your life experience and how you appreciate music determines the answer. And that's based on where your proverbial arrow was shot from.

Well, you pull the drawstring. 

And allow us to add a little bit of fun in that journey as your little ones soar higher than you thought possible. All the while bearing a smile.

Join us at Debut Music School and let them fly!