A recent article from Science Daily summarized some very interesting findings by the Tel Aviv Medical Center, namely that creating a musical environment for premature babies positively affected their ability to grow and thrive. Preemies who were exposed to 30 minutes of music by Mozart expended less energy during that 30 minutes, thereby using fewer calories and allowing for greater weight gain. Having a healthy body weight means that these babies have a stronger immune system and go home sooner.
“The TAU study is the first to quantify the effect of music, specifically Mozart, on newly born children. ‘Medical practitioners are aware that by changing the environment, we can create a whole new treatment paradigm for babies in neonatal care,’ says Dr. Mandel. ‘That’s our main goal — to improve their quality of life’.”
While the study is based on the controversial “Mozart effect” and researchers still aren’t clear on the long-term effects of Mozart’s music, one result is certain – music makes a difference. Thousands of Kindermusik educators around the world can attest to that; we are privileged to see the wonderful effects of music on young children and their families week in and week out. We especially love it when science confirms what we’ve known all along: one of the best gifts you can give your child is the gift of music.
Written by Theresa Case, Maestro Educator since 2000 and owner of Kindermusik at Piano Central Studios in Greenville, SC.