The effect of music on the human mind is undisputed and has been documented from time immemorial. Scientists say the human psyche is hardwired to appreciate music. They have documented the different effects that music can have on the heartbeat, pulse and blood pressure. There is music in every aspect of human life; birthday parties, church, movie theaters, military parades, and funerals among other events. As such, music can have a great impact on a child’s development.
Music and brain activity
Music is simply sound energy in organized form. It reaches the brain in waveform and interacts with the brain’s waves. The brain’s alpha waves are associated with creativity and relaxation, beta waves with concentration and alertness, and delta waves with sleep. Different music interacts differently with these brain waves.
Music and relaxation
A study by MNT journal found out that infants who had music played to them remained calm for longer than those who did not have any music. The scientists doing the study concluded that the infants’ internal body rhythms synchronized with the external rhythm of the music to match the slower beats and tempo.
Rounded development
Another study by National Association of Music Merchants showed that children who were exposed to music had better all-round development in the use of all the five senses in addition to better motor skills. Children involved in music and dance were able to sing, listen and move better over time than those who did not participate in music.
Music and language
The Children’s Music Workshop says that the same side of the brain that processes music is the same that is responsible for language development in a child. Learning to memorize music goes together with improved language learning pace.
Another study showed that people who learned languages by memorizing musical phrases of the language adopted the language faster than those who learned it by rote. Singing is also associated with verbal competence, which is verbalizing thoughts. Language development is further associated with the development of a child’s social skills and confidence.
Music and intelligence
A scholar at the University of Toronto did a study on pre-school children and the effect of voice and piano lessons. This was done in a series of weekly lessons over 9 months. Children who attended the lessons posted 3 points more in IQ than those who did not.
Music and spatial intelligence skills
Reading music charts helps children develop visualizing skills in other areas. Youngsters who can read these charts well find it relatively easy to solve mathematical skills, read engineering charts and develop graphical designs.
Music is at the very core of the human brain. It has both short-term and long-term effects that are beneficial to learning in youngsters.
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