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

When it comes to gaining the most benefit from a music class, there are three essentials of participation – engagement, consistency, and longevity.  This according to a recent study led by Dr. Nina Kraus, the Hugh Knowles professor of communication sciences in the School of Communication and of neurobiology and physiology in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern

“Our results support the importance of active experience and meaningful engagement with sound to stimulate changes in the brain,” said Kraus, director of Northwestern’s Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory.

What this study highlighted was that music training significantly impacts brain development, language development, literacy, academic achievement, and more, but only when the three essentials of participation are included.

three essentials of participation in a music class

Essential #1 – Engagement
It’s not enough to passively sit in a music class.  Kraus’ study illustrated the significance of active engagement by playing instruments.  In Kindermusik classes, children are also involved in music-making and learning through movement, use of props, and active listening.

Essential #2 – Consistency
Music isn’t a quick fix, according to Kraus, nor is it a one-time wonder.  There must be regular and consistent participation.  Kindermusik educators have observed time and time again that it’s consistent attendance, week after week and year after year, that has the greatest impact on a child’s complete development.

Essential #3 – Longevity
Interestingly enough, Kraus’ research also highlighted that it’s longevity that really counts.  It was “…two years of music training – but not one – improved the brains’ ability to distinguish similar-sounding syllables, a skill linked to literacy.”  Kindermusik has always believed in the multi-year benefits of early childhood music education, and their multi-level curricula support that belief.

Kindermusik is where music and learning play
Learn more about the benefits of actively participating in a music class.  Visit http://www.kindermusik.com/about/benefits-of-music-for-children/.

Contributed by Kindermusik educator Theresa Case, whose award-winning Kindermusik program is located in beautiful upstate South Carolina at Piano Central Studios.

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