GABRIELLA BIEDINGER - HER LIFE Magazine

ing musical appreciation and skills. During this time, children’s mentalcapacities are ripe for such opportunities.Infants can first be exposed to music by way of their parents whohum and sing while swaying and swinging the baby to soothe. Musicalgames might be incorporated, and simple instruments that are purchasedor homemade can be explored. Simple routines, such as bathtime, could be accompanied by a created song with the child’s nameincluded. Musical expertise is not necessary—simply the enjoymentof music is of value. Parents can serve as role models for enjoying theThe intellectual skills used for musictransfer to many achievementrelatedskills as well. Theunderstanding of music assistschildren to consider how manypieces fit together to form a whole,and how multi-step problems mightbe examined and pieced togetherto find solutions.process by singing and dancing.As children become toddlers, they are increasingly able to identifybeats and melodies, along with instruments. Informally, children can beencouraged to choose songs of their liking for listening, alternated withparents or others also choosing songs for variety. This also might bean appropriate time for attending classes. Programs to explore includeKindermusik and Gymboree classes. By age five, children are increasinglyadept at following formalized lessons. Nevertheless, likely through thisage, the overarching expectations should continue to be greater exposureto and understanding of music rather than honing any particular skill.By about ages six through ten, children have developed greaterphysical strength and stamina. Skill development with a particular instrumentmay take a focus. At this time, the goal of any music lessons mayshift from simply exposure to actually improving performance ability.Regardless of how involved children may become with creatingtheir own music, many benefits come from having access to a wide varietyof tunes. Parents can be a powerful part of the learning process,attending concerts with families and discussing tastes for differentartists and genres. Just as you wouldn’t want a child eating peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches at all meals, ensure variety in music. Serveup a “buffet” of different rhythms, tonalities, keys and cultures to bestnurture development. ■Sources: pbs.org, parenthood.com, kindermusik.com andgymboreeclasses.comHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 45