“I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning.” – Plato
The value of music in education has been recognized for centuries. Even in ancient times without the benefit of all today’s scientific research, the Greek Philosopher Plato recognized the importance of music in education. While early childhood music education creates a foundation upon which future music learning is built, music affects all learning and creative thought. Early interaction with music is important to a young child’s growth and development and can positively affect the quality of their life.
Benefits of Music in Early Childhood Education
There are so many ways music education can enhance all facets of a child’s education, as well as having a positive influence throughout their entire life. It is important to find a Holmdel preschool that understands the value of music education and promotes it. The earlier a child is introduced to music, the greater benefit they will reap from it.
Helps Develop Language and Reasoning Skills
Early music education will develop the areas of the brain related to language and reasoning. The left side of the brain is better developed with music and songs can help imprint information on young minds.
Enhances Memorization Skills
Learning and performing music involves a student continually using their memory and strengthening this skill. Memorization is an important skill in all areas of education. A perfect example of music and memory working together is how many students learned their ABC’s by singing them.
Increases Coordination
Students who practice with musical instruments can improve their hand-eye coordination. Much like children who play sports, those who play music develop and strengthen their motor skills.
Pattern Recognition
Playing music provides repetition in a fun and entertaining way. Children can develop their math and pattern-recognition skills with the help of musical education.
Striving for Improvement
Learning music promotes craftsmanship. Children who play music naturally want to learn to play it well. This desire to improve can be applied to all subjects of study as well as life.
Sense of Achievement
Learning to play a piece of music or sing all the words to a song correctly will challenge a child. Once they have mastered that challenge, the child will feel proud of their achievement.
Emotional Development
Children learning music can be more emotionally developed and capable of empathy towards others. They also tend to be better at handling anxiety and have higher self-esteem.
Teaches Discipline
Children who learn to play an instrument will have to set time aside to practice. Rising to the challenge of mastering that instrument can be a valuable lesson in discipline.
Builds Imagination and Intellectual Curiosity
Artistic education develops the whole brain as well as a child’s imagination. Introducing music in the early childhood years can help develop a positive attitude toward learning and curiosity.
Develops Creative Thought
Teaching music and the arts to children can encourage creative thinking. This type of education can help them solve problems by thinking outside the box and realizing there could be more than one right answer.
Staying Engaged in School
Music is enjoyable as well as educational, keeping children interested and engaged in school. Student musicians are likely to stay in school and make achievements in other subjects.
Success in Society
Musical education can greatly contribute to children’s intellectual development. Music can shape abilities and character that a child will carry throughout their life, allowing them to succeed in whatever they pursue.
Given all the benefits of music in early childhood education and beyond, it’s a shame we always seem to be struggling to keep music education in our schools. HAFHA is a Holmdel preschool that places great importance and value on music in early childhood education. HAFHA wants to share the joy of music making and the appreciation of all the arts through our varied program. Schedule a tour and see what HAFHA can offer your child.