Music is unique to humans, and as basic as language to human development and existence. It is through music that a child gains insight into herself, into others, and into life itself. Perhaps most importantly, music is part of what enables a child to better develop and sustain her creativity and imagination. Because a day does not pass without hearing or participating in some kind of music, it is to a child’s advantage to understand music as thoroughly as she can. As a result, she will learn to appreciate, listen to, and partake in music all the rest of her life (adapted from Gordon, 1990).
Ideas for parents:
It can be very simple to surround your child with music – the greater the variety, the better!
- Singing simple songs together can get the morning off to a great start.
- Child-safe instruments and some recorded music can provide happy times of self-entertainment or together time.
- Quiet, soothing music before naps and bedtime establishes a wonderfully reassuring sleep time routine.
- A dance around the kitchen can soothe the supper-time “fussies.”
- A cuddle and a lullaby at the end of the day adds the sweetest and happiest of memorable moments.
– Contributed by Theresa Case, whose Greenville, SC program, Kindermusik at Piano Central Studios, is proudly among the top 1% of Kindermusik programs worldwide.