Therèse Ahlers Music Studio

Baby Music Class Boosts Intelligence

By Groshan Fabiola

You may be surprised at the myriad of benefits that a music class for kids has to offer. At first glance, it might seem like any other extracurricular activity; a fun break from the day for your child, and some much needed respite for you, as well! However, Kindermusik is not like most activities for children. It is so much more than just keeping them busy during the day, and parents participate, as well.
Before you write off baby music class as just another modern gimmick, consider the facts: from the time a child is born until about age seven, the brain is developing with enormous leaps and bounds every day. New synapses are being created with ease, which means that this is the best time for a child to learn just about anything! Often, the things that are learned at this time in a child’s life become deeply rooted in the mental, psychological and emotional makeup of the brain. Having a regularly scheduled time for music on a daily and weekly basis helps a child build a variety of skill sets that parents may not even be aware of. It makes sense that strength in pattern cognition and rhythm are developed by musical exposure. However, did you know that self-disciplinary skills such as self-control and concentration are improved with a toddler music class? Also, literary capacity is greatly affected by musical exposure. Numerous studies show that a child’s ability to read, write and abstractly reason are improved by music classes. In addition, they are far more likely to excel in mathematics and reasoning. Really, in many ways, music class for kids bolster every aspect of intelligence and self-confidence in a child. Even social skills are strengthened by the addition of music.

You may think that all of this is wonderful, but speculate as to why parents have to be included in Kindermusik classes. The reasons are simple: additional studies show that with parent involvement and encouragement, a child has even more of a capacity to develope high intelligence and confidence. This is generally true for a child coming from any poverty level, ethnic background or a single-parent household. With parent participation, a child can be encouraged and stimulated by conversation about what he or she has learned, even after class has ended. With the help of CD’s and books supplementing music classes, parents can refresh a child’s memory and further learning outside the classroom. Discussions and mutual participation in Kindermusik can be great bonding time.