Music Makes Your Child Smarter
Causal
Link Between Music and Intelligence
Over the decades, classroom teachers have noted that their top academic
students are often those children who are studying music performance (piano
instruction and band). However, until the past decade there has been little
research to prove a causal link between music and intelligence. At this point,
however, developmental neurobiologists and research psychologists have provided
us with insight into the music performance/intellectual development link.
This new
body of research suggests that music training at an early age can develop the
neural connections in the brain that are necessary for understanding complex
mathematical and scientific concepts. This research shows an important link
between musical training and other cognitive abilities, particularly spatial
abilities or abstract reasoning. In no other subject area is a child called
upon to make four or five decisions per second and to act on them continuously
for long stretches of time.
Also
consider the following benefits for your child:
Cooperation - In today's business world,
cooperation with coworkers is necessary for success. The old "pyramid
model" of top-down isolated decision making has passed. Today's workers
need to be able to cooperate to achieve common goals. Music instruction is
marked by cooperation, not competition. Playing music together, children learn
that cooperation is a means to an end, a social skill which can be applied to
other goals.
Beauty - Music brings joy and beauty
into our children's lives. While we cannot give empirical or
"scientific" evidence that our children benefit from the joy of
creation and the lifelong ability to bring the beauty of music into their
lives, we know instinctively that our children do benefit. How many times have
you wished that your own parents had brought music into your life, or how many
times have you been thankful that your parents did give you the gift of music?
Self
Esteem - The
ability to play the piano makes you special. You can give joy to others. You
receive a great deal of recognition from your family and peers. You have the
knowledge that you set out to master a complex skill and you succeeded. All
these experiences build self esteem and a "can do" positive attitude
toward yourself and the world.
Affective
Skills -
Educating children in music puts them in touch with their feelings, and through
their feelings, themselves. Being in touch with oneself, being capable of
solitude and enjoying one's own company for a time, and being moved to feel
what one would not otherwise feel are benefits that are familiar to all who
participate in music. These "affective" or emotional benefits enrich
the quality of your child's life.
Call 455-1160 to register for the upcoming 2009 summer music
camps, private lessons, after-school and early childhood music and performing
arts programs. Summer camps fill up fast - register soon.
