The power of music in the lives of kids

Did you know that music has the power to increase your child’s intelligence? Scientific studies at some of the most respected universities in the world indicate that children introduced to classical music at a young age read earlier and perform better on achievement tests. Discover how introducing your children to good music can: accelerate language development, improve math and science skills, increase memory and concentration, improve reading comprehension and retention, enhance physical coordination and benefit children with learning disabilities and more. This book is a powerful guideline for any parent who wants to help their child develop into a bright, well-rounded and confident adult. Check out Good Music Brighter Children.   Author Sharlene Habermeyer gives you a simple, step-by-step program that any parent can follow.  Different aspects of a piece of music activate parts of the brain not activated before.

This article was recently published in the Deseret News.  It is so interesting to me.  Rick and I are both grateful that our parents encouraged us to take piano lessons.  He became much more proficient in playing the piano than I did and he also learned to play the clarinet.  It is probably due to this early training in music that he became great at memorizing.  It was interesting to learn that the process of learning to play the piano has intellectual benefits.  Also, listening to music, especially classical music is "somewhat magical in its ability to teach and reach, enhancing learning and building enduring skills."  The earlier the lessons, the stronger the connections.

Sing together

Teach children simple songs

Beat out rhythm

Play classical music in the background at home

Spent 20-30 minutes a day reading together

Put lessons or memorization of lists or concepts into songs

Sing songs that combine words with actions

 
Besides increasing learning abilities in children and adults, music has the ability to bond us together as communities.  Supporting the arts in our local communities is something I'm passionate about.  I do believe that music is an intrinsic part of a well-rounded, high quality life.
I'm so happy to see our children teaching their children music appreciation.  Our daughter Jordan is a Let's Play Music teacher in her area and she is teaching music skills and appreciation to her own children and many others she invites into her home each week.  Our daughter Claire and DIL Courtney are great at reading to their children, singing with them and and teaching them little songs and rhymes.  They all have musical toys to make music and rhythms and sounds.  Our SIL R is a great classical music lover as well.  I'm so glad that music is a big part of the lives of our grandchildren because I think it will benefit them greatly in their lives.




And don't be alarmed if a kid shows a poor attitude along the way!  It's all good!  She is as smart as a whip, so music appreciation must have helped her somehow!