Minds On Music – The Kindermusik Blog

We love it when science backs up again and again what music teachers and parents have known for a long time – music and music classes have significant and far-reaching benefits that extend beyond singing, moving, and playing instruments and into areas of brain development, academic advantage, language development, literacy, and more.  In particular, new research is highlighting the powerful connection between music and reading.

One long-time researcher and advocate for the benefits of music is Dr. Nina Kraus, Professor of Neurobiology & Physiology, Otolaryngology, and the Hugh Knowles Chair in Audiology at Northwestern University.  For your reading pleasure, here are some of the highlights of her studies, both past and current, with links to past Minds on Music posts.

What Science Says about the Music-Literacy Connection

Music is a powerful tool for strengthening and improving reading ability.

Many of the same aspects of sound processing that are deficient in children with language and learning impairments have been found to be strengthened in those who receive music training, and music-based interventions have demonstrated some success in the remediation of reading problems, too.  – Dr. Nina Kraus in this Neuroscience article

Children between the ages of 6 and 9 years old who took music lessons could better differentiate speech sounds, which directly relates to language and literacy skills.

• Two New Brain Studies Look at Music and Learning in a Group

Learning to play a musical instrument or to sing can help disadvantaged children strengthen their reading and language skills by improving the way their nervous systems process sounds in a busy environment.

• Music Can Offset Children’s Academic Gaps

A preschooler’s ability to follow a rhythm and keep a steady beat can accurately predict early language skills and reading skills.

• Got Rhythm? Rhythm Skills Could Predict Reading Disabilities

Benefits of music on reading only seen when participants consistently and actively engage in the music making over an extended period of time.

• Music Class: Where Shoes Aren’t Required But Participation Is

Experience the benefits of music firsthand! Contact your local Kindermusik educator today at www.Kindermusik.com.

Pew Research Center recently asked a national sample of adults which skills were most important for children to have in order to get ahead in today’s world. Out of the 10 skills from which they could choose, more respondents said communication skills were most important for success, followed by reading, math, and teamwork.

Much of the groundwork and preparation for successful development of these academic and life skills can be laid at a young age.  So where can parents and teachers find that one early childhood experience that delivers on developing all of these vital skills from a very early age?

Music… It’s all in here!

Music teaches communication skills. 
Learning to listen, singing back and forth, sharing non-verbal responses, creative movement responses to music, being part of an ensemble… all of these elements of communication are an integral part of music and music making.  And all are heightened by the experience to be had only in a group music class.

Music enhances literacy skills. 
Just as in reading, music symbols have meaning.  You read music from left to right just as you read words from left to right. Music involves rhythm, syntax, vocabulary, and expression just as reading does. Music is a form of communication just like the written word. Music improves phonological and phonemic awareness.  The list could go on.

Music promotes math skills. 
Numbers, patterns, proportions, ratios, spatial reasoning… sounds like a highly sophisticated list of skills. But all are skills that are mastered by musicians and mathematicians alike. And all of these are introduced to one degree or another even in an early childhood music program like Kindermusik (studio program) or ABC Music & Me (school program).

Music facilitates teamwork.
This is especially evident in a music class, where children share, listen, take turns, and make music together. There’s something about music and a music class that encourages children to work together, cooperate, and problem-solve. Perhaps it’s because in music class, differences are leveled out and there’s one common experience – the joy of making music together.

Watch carefully and you’ll see a delightful example of the ways that even in one activity, music (specifically, Kindermusik!) can teach aspects communication, vocabulary (reading), math (spatial development), and teamwork.

Discover more about the rich benefits of music education with these free e-books.

In Kindermusik classrooms all around the world, Kindermusik educators are as much about providing a rich, lasting musical learning experience for the child as they are about giving parents lots of tips and resources that help make great parenting just a little bit easier. In fact, we have quite a few musical tricks up our sleeve, and we’ve put together our top 10 just for you.

10 Secret Musical Tricks Every Parent Needs to Know

#1 – Sometimes you just need to dance.
When your child is cranky or stir-crazy, or for that matter, when you are feeling a little cranky or stir-crazy, dancing to your favorite song can change the mood in an instant. A slow dance is great for reconnecting and calming, while a happy, lively dance gives an outlet for pent-up energy.

#2 – Pots, pans, bowls, and plastic utensils make for an instant kitchen band (and buy you a little time to fix dinner!).
While you’re fixing lunch or dinner, settle your child in a safe place near you in the kitchen surrounded by his/her own musical exploration station. Nothing fancy needed here, but metal bowls and plastic utensils can keep a child happily occupied while you get the meal prepared.

#3 – A lullaby routine can help your child settle down for bed easier and faster.
Even if you don’t remember all of the words, establishing a routine of cuddling, singing, and rocking together before naps and bedtime can be a wonderful way not only to connect with your child, but also to help them be more ready to settle down for a good nap. And you’ll love the memories you’ll have too!

#4 – Running errands is lots better with music in the car.
Sing, wiggle, and tap together as you drive around time. It will make the time pass quicker, and your child will probably stay a lot happier. Singing and listening to music in the car is also a great time to interact with your child, while giving them some quality exposure to music.

For some more free ideas and 5 free songs from Kindermusik International, click here.

#5 – A CD or playlist of quiet, relaxing music is great for some musical “white noise” during sleep times.
You know that lawn crew or barking dog that always seems to pick your child’s nap time to make the most noise? Chances are that sudden outside noises won’t even cause a stir if your child is listening to music during nap time. We love Kindermusik’s “You Are My Sunshine” album or “A Child’s Gift of Lullabies” by Greenville’s own Emile Pandolfi.

#6 – A large towel or laundry basket makes for a fun and imaginative hayride wagon! Even little ones love going along for a ride, especially when you add some lively music to ride along to! This makes for a nice break in between piles of laundry, and it always makes for a good workout for mom too. Try it – it’s more of a cardio workout than you might think!

#7 – A couple of old scarves are perfect for swishing, twirling, tossing, bouncing… and playing peek-a-boo!
Add some music and maybe even some bubbles, and you’ve got the formula for a little magic and a whole lot of giggles. You’ll probably even want to join in on the fun! Make a playlist of some fun, lively music intermixed with slower, lyrical selections, and you’ve just created a fun, indoor activity that can keep your child occupied for a good long while.

#8 – Keep an instrument basket handy.
Collect some age-appropriate instruments that your child can explore. Keep these in a basket or container in the playroom or in the family room that you can easily pull out when you or your child want a little play time. Your child can explore on his/her own, but better yet, sit down with your child and enjoy a family jam play-along with some of your favorite music, or initiate a musical learning experience by exploring and labeling concepts (high/low, in/out, up/down, loud/soft) and timbres (the unique qualities of sound).

#9 – Say “I love you” in so many different ways with music.
On the changing table, during bath time, after a meltdown, or even just first-thing in the morning, there’s nothing better than a song or a dance with mom (or dad!). No excuses… your child thinks your voice is the most beautiful thing in the world, and if you’re really that self-conscious, sing along with some music on your phone. Or just cuddle your child up in your lap and savor the moment. You can also use singing or rocking to distract your child from a meltdown or to reconnect after a particularly emotional moment. In fact, here are 5 free Kindermusik love songs to get you started.

#10 – You don’t have to be a musician to teach your child to love music.
All you have to do is make music a priority in your home and in your daily routines. If you model a love for and interest in music, chances are your child will develop that same love. Creating a musical environment in your home and investing in music classes from an early age is a precious gift you can give your child. There are few better gifts you can give your child than putting a song in their heart – for now and for life!

Visit a Kindermusik class today and learn even MORE secret musical tricks!

Written by Theresa Case, who has loved sharing music tips for over 20 years now in her award-winning Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios in beautiful upstate South Carolina.  This article was originally shared with the loyal followers of Kidding Around Greenville.

#1 Misconception about music at home: the participants need to be musically inclined.

Intentional, shared music-making is about awakening and refining senses and skills to help children soar in any environment, and home is the best place to start.

That’s good news. The great news is that creating a musical home doesn’t require parents and caregivers to play instruments proficiently or even sing in key. A musical home is simply a safe environment where listening to music, appreciating and enjoying music, and actively engaging in musical activities are part of everyday life.

First, let’s take a look at the science behind WHY musical homes make all the difference in early childhood development. Then, whether you’re a parent/caregiver or teacher, we’ll dive into some tips to help get a jump on the biological benefits.

What science says about the benefits of music at home

A study from Guangzhou University found that children ages 3-6 who had some sort of musical environment at home—like singing or dancing with parents consistently—exhibited more emotional regulation and other pro-social behaviors.

So, what’s really happening when you make music together?

When two or more people are bopping along to the same beat (you could be tapping, clapping, rocking, dancing), we know that:

• Stress hormones decrease, and happy chemicals (like oxytocin) increase
• Our brainwaves synchronize, allowing safety and co-regulation to kick in
• The combination of the above gives us confidence and curiosity

The thing about making music at home is that it has the added benefit of children making music with their most trusted humans—nothing replaces that connection—so the biggest opportunity for early development is actually outside of the classroom.

Here are 5 easy musical activities to help kickstart a musical home.

5 musical activities to try at home

1. Incorporate matching movements to songs. 

Not every musical moment needs coordinated movements, but pairing descriptive motions to words boosts vocabulary and comprehension, and helps elongate engagement from infants on.

“Skinnamarink” is one of our favorite examples (for older toddlers and up, pay attention to how quickly they can match your movements!). You can pair all kinds of movements with this song, but a great place to start is with sign language for pre-talkers.

• Play “Skinnamarink” below or stream it on our free app! 
• During the lyrics “I love you,” use the American Sign Language sign for “I love you” and make sure you’re making eye contact with your little one while you do it.

2. Even for pre-talkers, use call-and-response techniques within songs to promote early communication and taking turns.

Babbling counts! And waiting for baby to babble back to you is the perfect pre-cursor to proper back-and-forth communication when they get older. You can do this with any song, like “Lavender’s Blue.” It’s available on the free Kindermusik app, and you can watch it in action between caregiver and toddler below.

3. Use music during tasks children don’t necessarily want to do. 

Diaper changes, eating breakfast, cleaning up toys, putting on shoes…all of these demands can be harder on little ones (and their grownups!) than we think.

Music makes it easier. Check out Kindermusik’s Rituals album on the free app and grab a list of musical “family productivity” ideas here.

4. Let them freely express themselves to a song, and you copy them.

A study from UC San Francisco found that when children improvised musically (versus playing from instruction) their neural reward networks were more highly engaged. This is directly linked to repeating positive behaviors, sustaining curiosity, and building a love for learning.

So, turn on a favorite song, engage them by moving to the music, and then watch what they do.

The bonus of you copying their interpretations of what they hear gives them that extra boost of confidence to take their creativity out into the world.

5. Replace speaking with singing in little moments.

When we say little moments, that can be anything from asking them where an object is to repeating what they just told you.

For example, imagine a young toddler says “geeeeen” when pointing to the grass. When a grownup sings back “The grass is g-r-een,” that toddler absorbs the mouth movements and letter formations needed for phonemic awareness and speech support.

Most of all…make it fun!

When music-making becomes part of everyday life, it naturally increases the joy factor in your environment, a safe space for expression, and the critical family connection children need to fuel cognitive growth during the early years and beyond.

Want to learn how to bring more music into your home? Find a Kindermusik class near you or check out our teaching solutions!