Music and Brain Development
We often hear that “music soothes the savage beast.” We know that it can surely stop a crying baby or calm a pouting toddler. Did you know that music can also increase brain development?
If you know anything about my book, Kidding Around Town, then you’ll know that I am a big promoter of giving children many experiences early in life to promote brain development. Why is this important you ask? Because research shows that the more experiences children have and the more those experiences are repeated or practiced, they promote brain development. The more your child’s brain is developed, the smarter they can become. And who doesn’t want a smarter child since intelligence and success have a direct link?
The same is true for music. Studies show that “Early music lessons enhance brain plasticity — the brain’s capacity to change and grow. (19) Children with musical training do better in subjects like language, reading, and math and have better fine motor skills than their non-musical classmates. (17, 18) Kids who sing together in a choir report higher satisfaction in all their classes, not just music. (24)”
Studies also show a large number of school band or orchestra members are in the top ten per cent of their class and are college bound. Here is another link between music and brain development and intelligence.
Now that the holidays are here there are many holiday musical concerts. (Click here for a list of holiday concerts and shows.) Why not pick out a concert and take the kids?
For little children this can be an early introduction to music. For school aged children going to a concert can stimulate a love of music or reinforce their music lessons. If your children aren’t in music lessons, you might consider giving them that gift for the holidays or any time as it can promote brain development. Studies showed that high school students who sang or played an instrument scored 52 points higher on the SAT than those who did not. Having a music background can affect employment as candidates who have taken music lessons or can play an instrument are sought after by many high tech companies. Employers feel this training has built a foundation for goal setting, discipline, social skills and cognitive studies.
Give your child a head-start for college and their future career by exposing them to music or giving them gift of music lessons.
Above I referenced my book, Kidding Around Town. If you are not familiar with this book it lists hundreds of places to visit in Dallas Fort Worth. You can find attractions by googling or on our website, AroundTownKids.com. But what you will not find (because it is copyrighted material by me), are age-appropriate activities geared for each type of venue. Meaning, there are activities specific to art, activities specific to places with animals or nature etc. In my newest edition there is a section on music. Broken out by age group are musical activities you can do with your children to stimulate brain development.
Now you know about music and brain development.
You’re in luck because Kidding Around Town is on sale for the holidays! Click here for more information.
If you’d like to take your child to see a musical concert this holiday season, we have those lists for you too.
If you are interested in music lessons for your child:
By Catherine Cates
Author, Kidding Around Town
Founder, AroundTownKids.com
