The peculiarity of children is that they are able to absorb new knowledge and skills like a sponge. The formation of their character, personality, life priorities and talents is largely determined by the environment. And even, it would seem, such a trifle as music, has a noticeable effect on the feelings and way of thinking of the child. That is why it is so important for parents to pay more attention to the issue of music education.
The effect of music on children
Numerous studies have scientifically established that music really promotes more active development of children. Many mothers practice music therapy even for babies who are still in the womb. Of course, the child begins to perceive the lyrics only at a more mature age, but the ability to recognize the melody to one degree or another is observed before birth. How exactly is the influence of music on the development of children, including preschool age? Among the positive effects of listening to her baby can be identified as follows:
• Improving memory. The child remembers the melody and the text, and it happens, rather, on a subconscious level.
• Language formation. Singing to favorite songs, the kid trains the articular skills.
• Music therapy as a way to control the emotional state of the child. Excessively active and easily aroused children relax better to calm music. And cheerful and persistent melodies will help to stir up and encourage passive kids.
• Development of creative abilities. Listening to music, the child learns to interpret and understand it, which means that the process is actively involved in the imagination.
• Development of writing and mathematical abilities. Surprisingly, regular listening to music also affects a child’s ability to write and count. There is a scientific explanation for this – music develops spatial perception.
What kind of music can children listen to?
Any musician will say that it is necessary to develop musical hearing in a child with the help of proper music. The direction of development of the kid’s personality also depends on the choice of musical material. It is not necessary to experiment with some styles and genres – it is not necessary to expect any benefit from them. Other areas have a beneficial effect on the child.
Such music is not good:
• Loud and too loud music. Sensitive children’s ears react very sharply to chaotic house, aggressive heavy metal, hard garage rock, etc. Such music can cause tears and hysteria in the youngest music lovers, and in older children – aggression and excess energy. Psychologists do not advise adults to include songs for their children, in which percussion instruments predominate.
• Songs with obscene language. The lyrics of many compositions contain words that even adults try not to use in their speech. Children do not differ in modesty, so they can repeat an obscene expression with a completely calm face. It will be very difficult to wean them from a bad habit.
• Prolonged and too slow compositions. Calm and light music is good, but in moderation. It is not necessary to spin lyrical ballads that chased boredom all day long. Adults may like them, but children still need more dynamic and invigorating music.
• If your child is older than 7, probably he or she loves to listen music that are popular among gamers. You can find examples of such music at RobloxSong website. But it’d be better to limit such music despite that fact that it’s popular.
Scientists in trying to determine how music affects the development of a child’s personality, came to the following conclusions:
Children’s music therapy sessions should be held 2-3 times a day for 20-30 minutes each. The duration can be increased if the baby is inclined to listen to music.
It is better to listen to relaxing compositions to the child after feeding, and dynamic and cheerful – to.
No need to turn on the music loudly – just the volume of calm spoken language.
The repertoire can be wide and include children’s, pop, jazz, folk songs, etc.
Be sure to involve the child in classical music – it is the best tool for music therapy. However, here there are nuances that must be taken into account when conducting “sessions”. For example, it is impossible to compose a repertoire exclusively from classical music – it is important to keep a balance between different musical directions.
The influence of classical music on children
Not all adults can boast of their love for classical music. To most, it seems too boring and difficult to listen to on a daily basis. However, child psychologists say that the impact of classical music on the psyche of children is enormous. Of course, everything is very individual. Some kids, hearing the sounds of the orchestra, roll hysterics, others – are charged with energy or, conversely, completely calm down. The reaction of children depends directly on the temperament, and for each you need to make an individual music program.
The benefits of classical music for children of all ages have been scientifically proven. Regular listening to Mozart, Bach, Chopin and other “golden” composers significantly develops the creative, mental and communicative abilities of the child. There is even a so-called “Mozart effect”, derived by French otorhinolaryngologist A. Tomatis. It comes down to the fact that children who listen to the works of WA Mozart, show a more dynamic development of thinking than their peers who do not listen to the music of this composer. The doctor explains this phenomenon by a special tonal sound series, characteristic of the works of Wolfgang Amadeus. Of course, it is too early to talk about one hundred percent manifestation of the effect, but the fact remains – classical music clearly contributes to a more active mental and creative development of children.
Songs written especially for young music lovers play an important role in the formation of a child’s personality. As a rule, these are simple compositions with easy-to-remember text that take into account the importance of children’s creativity and imagination development. Listening to such songs, the kid joins in process of knowledge of the huge world of music, includes imagination and draws various images. Very often parents even combine children’s music therapy sessions with drawing lessons. The child can express their emotions and thoughts while listening to songs on paper with the help of paints.
Of great interest to children are analogues of adult musicals – musical tales. These can be both audio recordings and musical cartoons, which are widely represented in the world’s film collections today. In an easy and accessible form, they tell about simple human values and wisdom of life, instill in children courage, respect for loved ones, justice and kindness. Kids quickly memorize songs from fairy tales, which promotes the development of memory and language.