- When is the perfect moment to introduce your child to music?
Babies are used to music, their mother’s heart beat being the first rhythm they know since they were in the womb. We can say that each child has a natural way to react to music, that’s why its very important to be exposed to it from the very beginning. As babies grow, the musical experiences that they are exposed to should become more dynamic.
- How can we introduce children to music from the very beginning? What about later in life?
For instance, parents can use classical music during their child’s bathtime or they can even sing to their children. Of course, there is no need to be Pavarotti to sing to your child. Any child would be delighted to hear his/her parent’s voice. Your voice, exactly how it is, will be perfect for your child and will capture his/her attention.
Once all 3 of my three children started to walk, I used to organise dances. We all remember how we used to dance until we couldn’t dance anymore to the music I was choosing myself.
Another way to have fun with your family is by making your own ad-hoc band, whose members are parents, brothers/sisters or grandparents. Everybody tries to keep the rhythm using toys, kitchen utensils or other improvisations.
- What are the most important advantages of introducing music to your child?
Musical sounds and sensorial games to music encourage brain development by growing the number of neurons and synapses, and approaching a musical instrument is beneficial not only for artistic and interpersonal skills but even for mathematical understanding. So, music contributes to a child’s socio-emotional and cognitive development.
- And disadvantages? Risks?
If parents know how to act correctly there are no disadvantages. It is very important that they pay attention to the volume and lyrics heard by the child. Also, music is beneficial if it is alternated with periods of silence. Silence is also an important factor for children’s development.
- 3 qualities of songs suitable for a baby?
- To encourage basic movements
- To repeat itself
- To be composed of gentle sounds
- 3 qualities of songs suitable for children aged 1 to 3 years?
- To be dynamic without encouraging violence
- To encourage interaction
- To involve actions, mimicry
- Rules to be followed during a sensorial game which involves music
The parent needs to ensure that the time is enough to keep the child close and to involve him actively.
For babies, sensorial play while lying on his/her tummy is very important for upper body development.
The parent should also encourage movement by using toys or objects that the child can catch or reach for.
Music should involve both physical and intellectual development. Parents can therefore prepare different musical sequences, encouraging the child to move to each rhythm. The parents must be the child’s role model during play time and dance.
- Does a child feel the emotions of a melody?
Of course. Moreover, children recognize a melody and react long before understanding the words.
See Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRkaG7ru0Uk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wt824D1Bqg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hB9lxvuRhw0
- It is said that children who listen to classical music are smarter that the rest. Do you believe in the Mozart effect?
Exposing children to classical music contributes to the development of cognitive skills. I haven’t yet done any research myself in order to prove the Mozart effect, but as I said before, music does develop children’s neuronal activity.
- Have you ever encountered children who don’t like music or who don’t react positively to music?
No, not yet.
- What is the substitute for music for children with hearing impairments?
I am currently organizing sessions for children with hearing impairments, offering them the opportunity to explore music through rhythm and vibrations.
- One more thing that you would like to share with parents?
Before being viewed as a specific skill, dance must be seen as an opportunity to move. I think every one of us has the ability to dance. In a sedentary society, we must pass onto our children the correct message: movement has a beneficial impact upon us, on all of us. Active children are healthy, more motivated at school, more successful and happier. Gaining physical skills increases self-esteem, creativity and supports emotional and social development.