Music is an important part of childhood. It entertains and supports many areas of children’s development, making it an invaluable tool for parents and educators. But it might surprise you to learn some of the other benefits for children and music.
How is Music Important? 7 Connections between Children and Music
Emotional and Social Benefits
Music is powerful. In fact, William Congreve said, “Music has charms to soothe a savage beast.” After all, music can hype us up or calm us down – and that power affects us at every age. Children use music to express their feelings by singing, dancing, or playing instruments. But beyond the ‘solo’ connections between children and music, there are also group musical activities, such as choir or band, which bring other advantages.
- Teamwork: Working together to create harmonious presentations.
- Cooperation: Coordinating efforts to complete a common goal.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
- Emotional Health: Listening to music, either by themselves or with a group, often brings comfort and stress relief, helping children acknowledge their emotions and develop the ability to express how they feel.
Physical Development through Music
Music can enhance physical development in surprising ways. Actions like clapping, tapping, and moving to the beat improve motor skills and coordination. Dancing to music encourages physical fitness, flexibility, and balance. Playing instruments improves fine motor skills as children learn to precisely manipulate keys, strings, and percussion instruments.
Music Teaches Patience
As children listen to music, they are often inspired to learn an instrument. As they practice, they become proficient at their chosen musical instrument. It is the practice needed to become proficient that helps them develop the abilities that come from practice and perseverance.
Music Inspires Creativity
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Listening to music can spark your child’s imagination. Whether it be to wonder what would happen if they could Teach Ants to Dance or if they come up with dance moves to match the tempo of the song. Moreover, listening to music often helps one discover that budding artist within. After all, there’s something about listening to music while painting, drawing, or engaging in other artistic pursuits that makes the activity even more enjoyable.
Cultural Awareness and Diversity
Kids’ music can introduce your child to cultural diversity and awareness. Exposure to different musical genres and traditions expands children’s understanding of the world and boosts appreciation for cultural differences. For example, songs from various cultures can teach children about:
- History – Understanding the past through musical heritage.
- Geography – Learning about different places through regional music.
- Social Customs – Discovering the practices and traditions of various cultures.
The Role of Technology
Technology plays an important role in how children engage with music. Thanks to interactive music apps, online lessons, and digital instruments, kids can learn and create music – even if music lessons are not available. These tools make music education more accessible and engaging, allowing children to explore their musical interests at their own pace. Of the many connections between children and music, this is one that often becomes more than a hobby but also an educational or occupational endeavor.
Music Brings Happiness
If you have ever watched children as they listen to music, especially a genre they enjoy, you can’t help but notice the way they react. That instant connection between your child and music can be expressed in many ways – even if the interaction is to fall asleep as a song such as Butterfly Lullaby plays. Whether expressed by bouncing rather than walking, clapping their hands, or getting up to dance, wiggle, or hop, they are having fun. And if the song has silly lyrics or sounds, the giggles are sure to happen.
Numerous facts about children and music illustrate its multifaceted impact on their development. From cognitive and language skills to emotional and social growth, music enriches children’s lives in countless ways. By intentionally making music a part of your child’s life, you support their development and start a lifelong love of music. Whether through the timeless melodies of nursery rhymes, the addition of music from Neon Tomatoes, or the vibrant beats of world music, the journey of musical discovery holds endless possibilities.
Additional Resources on Children and Music:
- 10 Reasons Why Music is Important for Early Childhood Development
- Why Making Music Matters
- 5 Reasons Why Music is Important for Child Development