|
|
Back to Blog
Why Early Childhood Music Education Matters – And How We Do It at Learn 2 Play Music Academy7/1/2025 Music offers much more than fun and entertainment—it plays a powerful role in children’s early development. From improving memory and language to building emotional understanding and social skills, the benefits of music are backed by solid research. At Learn 2 Play Music Academy, we’ve seen first-hand how music shapes young minds, especially in our toddler and preschool programmes. Here's how music helps—and how we bring these benefits to life in our classes. Boosts Memory and Thinking SkillsResearch shows that children who receive music training tend to have better verbal memory, reading skills, and executive functioning abilities (Miendlarzewska & Trost, 2014). In one study, children who learned an instrument performed significantly better in verbal memory tasks than those who didn’t receive music training (Roden, Kreutz & Bongard, 2012). At Learn 2 Play Music Academy, we incorporate memory-building songs and storytelling into our lessons—activities that help children remember names, instructions, and routines with ease. Improves Focus and Attention to DetailThrough repeating rhythms, learning melodies, and identifying musical patterns, children sharpen their attention and pattern recognition. These activities strengthen their ability to focus and notice small details (Ohana Therapy, 2024). In our rhythm games, we’ve seen how music naturally helps children listen closely, follow cues, and improve their concentration—skills that benefit them in many other areas of life. Supports Language and Communication SkillsMusic and language are deeply connected. According to a study by researchers at MIT, piano lessons may help children improve word discrimination even more than extra reading classes (Trafton, 2018). Exposure to pitch, rhythm, and tone helps children hear and process speech more clearly. We include tonal exercises, sing-alongs, and rhythm chants in our early childhood curriculum. While many young children may still be learning to speak, these musical activities lay the foundation by strengthening their listening, sound awareness, and vocal confidence—often encouraging them to attempt sounds, words, and simple phrases earlier than expected. Encourages Emotional Expression and UnderstandingMusic helps children understand and express their emotions—even before they can talk. Different songs bring out different moods, helping children identify feelings such as happiness, calmness, or excitement (The English Montessori School, 2024). We use a variety of musical styles and genres to help little ones explore emotions. Whether it’s a joyful clapping song or a soft lullaby, music becomes a powerful way for them to connect with others and with themselves. Builds Social Skills and CooperationGroup music activities naturally promote cooperation, turn-taking, and teamwork. When children sing, move, or play instruments together, they learn to listen, take turns, and work as a team—important skills for social development. According to the Harvard Center on the Developing Child, social-emotional development in early years is shaped by back-and-forth interactions and shared attention, both of which are nurtured through musical play (Center on the Developing Child, 2023). At Learn 2 Play Music Academy, our toddler and preschool group classes are designed with this in mind. Activities like passing instruments, creating group rhythms, and echo songs encourage children to interact meaningfully with peers and learn how to engage in positive social exchanges. Enhances Coordination and Motor SkillsDancing, clapping, and playing instruments help children build both gross and fine motor skills. According to recent studies, these activities can improve hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and balance (Yinan & Serrano, 2024; Figueiredo, 2024). At Learn 2 Play Music Academy, children get hands-on with instruments like shakers, handbells and even pianos. These activities translate into practical everyday skills, from writing to dressing themselves. Why Start Early?The early years are when a child’s brain develops most rapidly. Introducing music during this critical period amplifies the developmental benefits and lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning. We believe it’s never too early to start—and our toddler and preschool programmes are designed to make music learning joyful, meaningful, and impactful. In SummaryMusic in early childhood is more than just fun—it’s a powerful developmental tool. At Learn 2 Play Music Academy, we harness the power of music to help every child grow socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Whether through a playful beat or a gentle melody, music is helping little ones discover the world—and themselves. 🎶 Ready to give your child the gift of music? Come experience how music can support their development at Learn 2 Play Music Academy. Book a trial class today! References
Comments are closed.
|