Fun With Benefits
Whether dancing around the living room on a rainy day or singing
along to the radio, school-age kids love listening to - and
participating in - music.
And there are loads of good reasons to encourage this
enthusiasm. Research shows that kids who are actively involved in
music (who play it or sing it regularly):
- do better in reading
- learn coordination, goal-setting, concentration, and
cooperation
- are more likely to do better in math and science because
music helps build reasoning skills and cognitive development,
which are important to both
- get along better with their peers and have higher
self-esteem
- are more likely to go to college
One study demonstrated that second-grade students who were given
keyboard training while also using math software scored higher on
proportional math and fractions tests than students who used the
software alone. And students who have been involved in public
school music programs score higher on their SATs than those who
don't.
But the best reason to encouraging a love of music might just be
that it's fun. Kids (and many adults) enjoy few things more
than singing, dancing, and listening to music.
Exposing Your Child to Music
Listening to a wide variety of music improves a child's
ability to analyze and comprehend it. The early elementary years
are the perfect time to expose kids to everything from classical to
country. Most are open to experiencing many musical styles until
around the third grade, when they start to prefer popular
music. (Studies have also shown that kids in grades four and up
prefer music with a faster tempo - so get ready to rock & roll
if your child is approaching middle school.)
Fill your child's life with as much music as you can. Some
ideas:
- Put a small stereo or boombox and a rotating collection of
CDs in your child's room.
- A musical alarm clock or clock radio can help your child wake
up musically. Many stereos have timers that let kids to drift off
to music as well. And certain songs can serve as cues for your
child (for instance, one song you always play or sing in the
morning when it's time to get ready for school).
- Sample CDs from your local library. You can try different
artists and styles without spending money.
- Introduce kids to songs from your own childhood or music you
especially love.
- Sing in the car.
- Make or buy musical instruments and have them available in
your child's play area.
- Cook to music, clean to music, and take time sometimes just
to sit and listen as an activity.
- Try music-making computer software programs that let kids lay
down their own tracks, just like a professional.
- Form your own family band with real or improvised instruments
(spoons, makeshift drums, etc.). This is a good group activity
for kids to try with friends.
Ready for Lessons?
You may be wondering if your music-loving child is ready for
lessons. Most kids are ready for formal music instruction between
ages 5 and 7. The piano is a logical place to start - kids who
learn keyboarding skills also learn the fundamental musical
concepts needed for other instruments or even for vocal music.
String instruments are another good place to begin. Brass or wind
instruments can be more physically challenging and may not be
appropriate until the fourth or fifth grade.
If piano lessons were a dreaded chore for you growing up, they
might well be for your child. Likewise, if you force musical
training, your child likely won't embrace it. But if your child
expresses an interest in learning to play an instrument and seems
consistently and genuinely enthusiastic, consider giving it a
go.
Ask yourself these questions before starting lessons:
- Playing musical instruments makes physical demands on kids.
Does your child have the appropriate physical development and
fine motor control to play? (A good music teacher can help
determine a child's physical readiness.)
- Can your child focus on one thing for 20-30 minutes?
- Does he or she understand and manipulate letters and
numbers?
- Has your child had adequate musical exposure? Can he or she
keep a steady beat, identify incorrect notes in a familiar song,
and repeat basic rhythm and pitch patterns? (If the answer is no,
work on these skills before beginning formal lessons.)
- Are you willing to attend the lessons regularly and help
ensure that your child practices?
- Do you think your child will be willing to practice? What
will you do if your child doesn't like lessons?
Whether you choose to begin instrument lessons or not, your
child should get some music instruction at school. Elementary
school should provide opportunities to sing, play instruments,
listen to music, and understand the role music plays in our
culture. Your child also will probably get some basic instruction
in reading music, writing music, and understanding music
theory.
Most grade schools also have a choir or band. If not, churches
or community organizations often have musical groups open to
kids.
Music is inherent in all of us. In fact, researchers now think
it may predate language in human development. So whether your child
becomes a concert pianist or simply enjoys singing in the shower,
encourage that love of music!
Reviewed by:
D'Arcy Lyness, PhD
Date reviewed: February 2009
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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