Music is known as the universal language, but it’s so much more than that. For some, it’s their favorite form of entertainment. For others, music can feel like it completes their whole life.
When it comes to childhood development, music is even more important. Multiple studies and various forms of research have shown the positive impact music can have on children, from their social skills to cognitive development.
And yet, music programs are still often one of the first things to be cut from under-funded schools. The more parents, teachers, and administrators understand the importance of music for childhood development, the more likely it is that music will remain an integral part of the U.S. education system, and music education will be encouraged as something essential, not some kind of “elective.”
So, what is the real importance of music for childhood development? What are the benefits?
How Music Helps Children Learn
There is growing evidence that music helps to boost intelligence in both adults and children. Cognitive performance is almost immediately impacted when you learn an instrument, read music, or even listen to it. One study even found that music can help to increase spatial awareness, which is needed to solve problems with certain information presented. Music has also been shown to improve memory, and learning an instrument can even boost IQ scores. From a young age, children can start learning using music while having fun doing it. Singing can boost cognitive development and memory, and even dancing to music can reduce stress and boost energy for little ones.
There is no question that children learn differently. What works for one child may not work for another. Because of this, there are different educational theories to consider when it comes to harnessing the power of young minds:
- Cognitivism
- Behaviorism
- Constructivism
- Humanism
- Connectivism
Interestingly enough, music can cross boundaries within these different theories, so no matter how a child learns best, they can still reap the benefits of music. We’ve already touched on how music can help with cognitive development. When it comes to behaviorism, students can feel a sense of accomplishment and positive reinforcement in learning and playing an instrument. Constructivism is used when they continue to learn on their own and create their own way of doing things with music. Humanism and music go hand-in-hand, as music can often make people feel safe, comfortable, and fulfill their emotional needs. Connectivism is also achieved in music since it can improve social skills, help children to form relationships, and find friends with like-minded interests.
Speaking of those social skills, music goes far beyond just increasing IQ levels. It can help children of all ages to connect with others and develop the social skills they need to form lasting relationships.
The Social Benefits
So, what are those social benefits?
It has been said that music strengthens the “theory of mind”. It triggers the area of the brain that helps us feel connected to others and pick up on what other people are thinking and feeling. As a result, music can help even young people to be more empathetic.
One study in which primary-aged children were given musical games to play with found that over the course of the year, their levels of empathy had grown significantly when compared to children who hadn’t been exposed to those musical games.
Listening to music, playing it, or experiencing it in a live setting can also help with:
- Shared intentions
- Connectivity
- A feeling of security around others
- Increased confidence to interact with others
It’s not uncommon for school-aged children and even teenagers to have social struggles. While music may not be the solution to every social issue, it can certainly help those who may otherwise have trouble honing in their social development skills.
The Health Benefits
Physical health is just as important for children as mental and emotional health. This is a pivotal time of life when children are doing a lot of growing. With childhood obesity rates consistently on the rise as well, there has been an increased focus on the physical health of children throughout the country.
So, how can music benefit the overall physical development of children?
It can start at a very young age. Some studies have suggested that children may learn to walk faster if they listen to music, feeling the cadence and rhythm to help them along. It can also reduce stress, which promotes energy and can boost your child’s activity levels.
Music is a great motivator, as well. As your child gets older, you can use their favorite songs to encourage them to dance, play, or run.
It’s nearly impossible to list all of the benefits of music in one piece, especially as more studies are being performed all the time to further understand the impact it can have on children. But, it is an important factor in childhood development, even from birth. As a result, it should be something we all keep fighting for and encouraging in schools and extracurriculars.
Courtesy of Indiana Lee