I've talked to many parents who are super excited to get their kiddo started on their music-learning journey, but just as many who say, "Yeah, I hope he learns to play saxophone someday, but why should I be thinking about that now? He's too young to be worrying about that."
You definitely benefit from music learning right now, and I'll tell you why...
Neural Development
Learning a foreign language becomes more challenging in adulthood if it wasn't introduced during childhood, especially if the language involves vastly different utterances from one's native tongue.
Similarly, music operates as its own language, encompassing a diverse array of sounds, pitches, tones, voices, and patterns that necessitate attentive listening, repetition, and training for comprehension. Many argue that young ears are more sensitive, enabling them to discern a wide range of auditory nuances.
However, it's not merely the ear but the brain that exhibits sensitivity. From infancy, babies are exposed to countless sounds and require assistance in distinguishing meaningful from insignificant ones. By fostering an environment rich in musical stimuli, through singing and encouraging musical engagement, we strengthen neural pathways attuned to these patterns. Starting this process early—perhaps even in utero—provides a crucial foundation.
For individuals, young or older, who haven't fortified these neural pathways early on, retraining becomes a more arduous task. Despite the challenges, it's never too late to embark on this musical journey, as the brain's plasticity allows for ongoing growth and adaptation.
The Memory Bank is Empty
Music can be likened to a language, utilizing two types of memory: procedural and declarative. Procedural memory, developed early in life, handles complex tasks like grammar and musical patterns largely unconsciously. In contrast, declarative memory, which accumulates with age, deals with facts and vocabulary, often hindering adults learning new languages or music as they rely too heavily on factual understanding. Young children, unburdened by a surplus of declarative memories, playfully explore music, internalizing its procedural aspects with guidance. Starting early allows them to speak music fluently, akin to a native language.
Musicians Have the Upper Hand Over Pianists
Many children learn to play instruments, but few become true musicians who use their instrument as an artistic outlet. In Let's Play Music,k we caution against focusing solely on instrument study at the expense of overall musicianship, including executive, notation, rhythmic, tonal, and creative skills. While it may not be appropriate for young children to start playing specific instruments like trombone, piano, or violin immediately, delaying musical training until later risks developing instrumental proficiency without achieving full musicianship. Many private lessons prioritize executive and notation skills, neglecting crucial rhythmic, creative, and ear-training foundations essential in the preschool years. Establishing a strong musical foundation now can significantly shape your child's future as a musician.
You Are The Student, Parent!
I'm sure you're interested in teaching school readiness skills to your child at home, and I hope now you're also seeing the value in teaching music readiness too. Can you do it on your own? Probably! Especially if you are musical yourself.
You can do any or all of the following:
Provide a home with lots of music playing
Sing together often, and encourage your child to sing
Clap, stomp, dance to rhythmic music
Listen to different styles of music, encourage your child to listen carefully and notice/appreciate instruments, mood, tempo, themes in different songs
Buy or make simple instruments and sing/play often
And because I want you to be a rockstar music-readiness parent (figuratively and literally), I encourage you to get your child into Sound Beginnings or Let's Play Music classes now instead of later. And since you will come to class with your child, you will be a student too!
In class, you will do all sorts of fun things:
Learn a plethora of new games and activities to play at home to create the ideal musical environment
Meet other like-minded friends to play with
Bond with your child in a focused playtime together
Learn music theory and musicianship that's new to you too!
We Know She's Young
Instrument lessons aren't the same as musicianship classes, and it's crucial not to rush into them at a young age. For many 4-year-olds, sitting still for a 30-minute piano lesson can be challenging. Instead, consider our programs. Sound Beginnings and Let's Play Music are play-based and incorporate movement and fun. Children and parents thrive when they are happy and engaged, creating positive memories and fostering successful learning experiences. Let's Play Music is tailored for young learners, addresses developmental stages and limitations, and ensures a supportive environment where children can both succeed and grow.
If you're ready to jump in, find a teacher near you now. See you in class soon!
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