Music can be used to express moods and feelings, to enjoy or dance. It can be soothing and gentle or loud and exciting. Can it have a beneficial effect on the developing brains of our children? Recent research indicates that, when introduced early in life, it can.
During early life connections are formed in the developing brain which become stronger as the actions are repeated. Listening to music lays down some specialised pathways in the brain that are used, not only for appreciating music, but for other complex tasks. It seems that these pathways are best laid down when babies and children are exposed to classical music due to the complex nature of the music. Research has found that, after listening to classical music, spacial abilities are enhanced for a short time.
Evidence suggests that these pathways can have an effect on the learning abilities of children in different ways. For instance, listening to classical music can increase spacial reasoning, although only temporarily. It is thought that the connections formed by listening to the complex rhythms and melodies of classical music are then available for other complex tasks such as those requiring spacial recognition.
Learning a musical instrument also helps to lay down these pathways and help with spacial abilities and these seem to be enhanced for a longer period than just by listening to music.
It is a great idea to expose children to all kinds of music from a very early age. Musical toys of all sorts are available from simple musical mobiles to hang above their crib or car seat to complex musical instrument such as guitars and trumpets.
Some types of simple musical toys for small children include musical bells and drums. Although you may be thinking that drums are just going to be an annoyance to parents have you looked at better quality drums that make melodic sounds not the tinny, annoying noise a cheap drum makes? A good range is made by Remo Drums that are reasonably priced and will appeal to both children and their parents. Try one of their Djembe drums or a Remo drum set.
Children love to make music and they can have fun while they are developing their abilities and love of music.
