Teaching Your Child About Music

For the past several years a theory called the Mozart Effect has been gaining ground among those that study child behavior and many are surprised at what can be accomplished thanks to a little bit of classical music.


The theory’s author, Dr. Alfred Tomatisin, believed that when music is introduced as early on as the late stages of pregnancy it has the ability to set them above their peers both mentally and physically.

In regards to why many believe Mozart is the musician of choices, Tomatisin believed that “The structural and not overly emotional expression (of Mozart’s work) helps clarify time/space perception. It is not over stimulating and the structures of the rondo, sonata-allegro form, and variation form are basic ways in which the brain becomes familiar with the development and familiarity of ideas.”

The theory also suggests that a child’s music education should not stop at simply listening, but that learning a musical instrument is even more valuable. According to recent studies on children and music education:

• First graders that were given daily lessons on how to play an instrument regularly scored higher on creativity tests
• Students who have been taught to play an instrument have the ability to make decisions faster than those that were never taught to play music
• Teens that were taught an instrument at an early age were 73% less likely to have discipline problems
• Playing an instrument requires a level of concentration in a young child that is later translated in their ability to focus on homework and test taking.

While the reasons behind teaching the benefits of music and how to play an instrument at an early age are clear, for many parents knowing the best way to accomplish the task can be difficult. Long before a child is ever able to handle an instrument their education can begin by surrounding them with music.

As we’ve seen with the Mozart Effect, it’s never too early to begin exposing a child to different styles of music. As the child begins to crawl and make their way around the house, take their curiosity for new sounds and show them how to create short rhythms. Whether it is a simple clap of the hand or the bang of a metal pot with a wooden spoon, encourage the child to express his or her self by participating in the impromptu jam session right along with them.

If the child is a toddler take their love for coloring, pasting, and cutting and show them what it’s like to create a musical instrument of their own. A paper plate, a handful of string, and few bells can easily be combined to create a tambourine. Meanwhile some rubber bands and an empty tissue box can be transformed into a working guitar in minutes. Not only will the child benefit from making something with their own two hands, but the instruments will provide a lesson on how music is created.

Radio, CD’s, and television are each ways to expose your child to a variety of musical styles, but for toddlers who are expressing an interest in a particular instrument nothing beats the experience of a live concert. Once the concert is over, quiz the child on what parts was their favorite and find out if a particular instrument stood out in their mind from all the rest. Ask them if they would like to learn more about the instruments they saw and possibly take lessons.

By introducing your child to music at an early age you are teaching them the joy of creating something that is uniquely theirs. This love of music will follow your new baby from the time they are born through their adulthood as they learn to focus on the tasks at hand, make decisions faster, and avoid issues with discipline. In no time both parent and child will learn that the ability to play an instrument is a gift that will last an entire lifetime.