Learning Styles Inventory: The Magic of Music in Schools

Recently scientists are confirming what teachers have suspected for years. Music not only nourishes the soul, it shapes growing minds.

Music offers so much more than entertainment. By exposing your child to music early on--whether it's listening to Mozart, learning to play an instrument or joining in a sing-a-long--you can maximize language development, cognitive skills and social interactions. In fact, music has the ability to build neuropathways in the brain that can improve memory and boost learning.

Music Conjures Up Brain Connections

Music provides the stimulation little brains need to form the connections and branching extensions that make them smarter. Each time a child's mind is stimulated, neural bridges are formed or strengthened. There is growing evidence that children who study music, particularly at an early age, show neurological differences from those who don't.

Listening to a Mozart concerto actually transforms the organization of the brain and increases blood flow and brain activity. Neuroscientists surmise that when children exercise their brains' neurons by being actively involved with music, they enhance their intelligence in three important areas: mathematics, spatial reasoning skills and ability to handle complex reasoning tasks. The phenomenon, coined the "Mozart Effect," has been the subject of research throughout the world.

Music Magic Begins Early

Lullabies, melodies, sweet and silly songs are music to young children's ears and stimulation to their growing brains. Early, continuous exposure to music sets the stage for healthy development by nurturing the cognitive, emotional, social and physical child. Be sure to make music a part of every day, since music aptitude flourishes in a musically enriched environment.

Research by Dr. Edwin Gordon defines a "window of opportunity" for children to learn music. This window starts at birth and lasts until a child is age nine. Other researchers say that in order for children to thrive intellectually through music, they must experience a lot of music during those years. From jazz and classical to Reggae and Rock-n-Roll, music leads to healthy development and joyful discovery.

Abracadabra - Make a Musician!

Because it stimulates children at all levels music is indeed magical. Try filling your home and car with song, rhythm and rhyme. Youíll find that your children are enchanted by music, no matter how young they are.

Better yet, give them plenty of hands-on opportunities to make music themselves. Let them bang pots and pans or play a toy piano. Encourage their efforts by providing tools, experiences and plenty of support along the way. If you can afford music lessons, don't be afraid to start early with age-appropriate classes.

You don't have to spend money to experience the magic of music. Simply exploring language, sound and rhythm through music will enrich your child's life. So sing, clap, dance and chant--it's a wonderful way to bond with your child while offering fundamental skills for learning. A playful way to practice new words and sounds, music can be a key to unlocking your child's creativity and learning.