Fostering Music Appreciation at a Young Age

My husband and I were sitting down to dinner the other night and imagine to our surprise when we noticed our one-year-old son sitting there in his high chair bobbing his head in time to the music on a commercial jingle. His hands were slapping on his high chair tray, his little feet were kicking about a hundred miles an hour and he had the biggest smile on his face -- it was priceless.

Most all children love music, and research has shown that music enhances a child’s comprehension level and helps them with the development of fine motor skills. Many children with autism or other special needs have been known to be reached with the right melody and tempo. Even though a child may be unable to communicate in other ways, music seems to reach them on a level beyond normal understanding. Music has a way of enhancing the lives of children and adults as well.

Research has shown time and again that children can hear music before birth. Some children seem to be drawn to a certain type of music just from being exposed to it in utero. Age-appropriate music programs can be very beneficial and challenge and awaken a person of any age.

Classes for mothers and infants are a great place to begin. A child can begin to appreciate music as early as 6-8 months of age. The classes typically last 30-40 minutes in length and require active participation from the parents. Programs geared towards toddlers provide fun and excitement and are also very popular and children engage in the classes on many different levels.

For children ages 3 and up, something that can be fun and entertaining is playing a musical instrument. A child will learn music appreciate from a parent who actively encourages, supports and cultivates the love. A child can integrate music games, arts and crafts into the scenario which will add endless opportunities for inner growth and expanding the mind. Loving music is something children can do and share with a parent, which enhances and enforces the bond between the two.

Most middle and elementary schools foster a child’s interest in music by offering band classes. This will provide a springboard for a lifetime love of music by inviting the child to participate in a band or orchestra with other child. Sharing a love of music is a positive experience that will foster a stronger bond between parent and child and last a lifetime.