HOW MUSIC BENEFITS INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN
The Magic of Music
Why is music
magical?
• Builds rhythm • Increases self-esteem and
confidence • Increases physical capabilities • Enhances communication and
respect • Accelerates learning
capabilities
Don’t believe us? Read on to find out more Playing the violin is Sarah Quan, a YCIS Beijing graduate
Babies and Classical Music • Many studies have been done with babies and classical music, and while the
infamous Mozart Effect has not been validated, it’s still important to include classical music in a baby’s life. Why?
Babies learn through experiencing their
environment
They easily recognise when sounds within their environment
change
Creating musical associations in their
environment increases their interactions in the
environment
Classical music has a complex musical
structure, with patterns and rhythms that
babies enjoy
By listening to music, babies can build tonal
understanding to better express themselves
Better Communication and Social Skills
Brigham Young University conducted a study that showed that one of the first things babies
understand communicatively is emotion; so for them, learning melody is learning emotional
messages. "Baby Crying On White Background" by Phaitoon
Nine months into the study, babies were able to categorise songs as happy or sad the same way that preschoolers and
adults do. Additionally they were able to project their own happy or sad emotions accurately to others.
"Baby Showing Its Teeth Under Yellow Towel" by photostock
Young Children and Musical Education
Developed areas Influences
Social
Intelligence Physical
Instrument
Vocal
Relationships Grades
Involvement
Musical training
• Young children have been found to benefit the most from musical education, as it helps to promote better nerve connectivity in various areas of the brain.
• Various studies have been done on musical training (instrumental or vocal) and how it develops different areas of the brain.
• These studies found that children between the ages of 0-8 mainly obtained:
• Better learning capabilities
• Increased motor skills • Improved creativity
Better Learning Capabilities
Det
erm
inat
ion
Lang
uage
s
Num
erac
y S
kills
According to the DANA Foundation, strong and significant improvements occurred in the numeracy skills of those who took musical training as young children.
As music is technically a type of language, it has been found that children who learn music when they are young are also able to learn different languages more efficiently and effectively.
Through musical study, students learn the value of sustained effort to achieve excellence and the concrete rewards of hard work.
Increased Motor Skills
These portions of the brain are also the ones
that help people plan and carry
out movements.
The corpus callosum is the portion of the
brain that connects the left and right sides.
According to the Journal of
Neuroscience, musicians who
began training early in life had greater amounts of white
matter in their corpus callosum.
Improved Creativity
Music Improves Creativity
Learning music requires focused
attention and abstract thinking
Improves the ability to solve problems by
imagining various solutions
Encourages the rejection of
outdated rules and assumptions
The arts is a subject where
there is no “one” right answer
Music B
ackground Design" by Feelart
YCIS – Building A Young Orchestra of Promise The YCIS Violin Programme is a unique YCIS feature that is mandatory for Years 1-3 and encourages children to learn a string instrument that requires attention and developed cognitive skills. Other
instruments are included as the students age.
Vocal music is also included in the YCIS musical curriculum wherein students are
taught the three fundamental areas of music: listening, composing and performing. Various concerts are
performed by students throughout the year, including primary students.
Teenagers and Musical Expression • As children continue to age, music can either become a valued hobby or an
invested aspect of life. The good news is that music continues to help develop important brain functions and positively affects those going through the difficult transition phase of being a teenager.
Anxious Self-Conscious Stressed Confused
Teenagers Typically Feel:
Alleviates stress Allows for self-expression Encourages confidence Builds teamwork
Adding Music: Self-management Confidence Involvement Communication Drive
This Improves:
Relieves Stress
Music has the same concepts that apply to meditation and some stress management workshops: • Creating a calming sensation • Focusing on how music
makes you feel
According to the Robert Vergin, getting in tune with the alpha waves of a song puts the two hemispheres of the brain into sync: • Calming nerves • Bringing a sense of clarity • Bringing balance
Some believe the right tempo and type of
music can also heal actual ailments, from depression to multiple
sclerosis.
Improved Self Perception E
xpre
ssio
n • Music is a creative experience which involves expression of feelings. Children often do not have the words to express themselves and need positive ways to release their emotions. Music acts as a channel for self-expression for children that need it. Sel
f-Est
eem
• Self-esteem is a by-product of self-expression. Teenagers view this self-expression as a personal triumph, which promotes self confidence and personal recognition.
YCIS – Building Young Adults with Music As students grow at YCIS they continue to take music until Year 10, when it becomes optional. Students are encouraged to take
extra-curricular music to further their development. Many students also choose this
extra option because of the joy that music brings them.
By incorporating music into the overall curriculum of YCIS, students see the
previously mentioned benefits throughout the most important years of their life. This helps
to build them into adults that are more developed socially, physically and
intellectually.