Articles

Making Music; What to look for in a music group.

The first thing a baby becomes aware of is his Mother’s face and voice. It is never too soon to take your baby to a regular music group. Choose one that enables you to try out to ensure you and your baby feel comfortable. Your baby will know if you are worried that you are not singing the right tune, or if you cannot give him a feed when he needs it. It also won’t be long before your baby begins to be aware of who is around him, so choose a group where other people also regularly attend. The repetition of the songs, the related actions and familiar faces create a good environment for you to bond with your child, to share your joy in your baby’s achievements with others. It is lovely to watch all the babies when they first reach for a shaker, bounce on your knee, wave or clap, but so exciting when it is your own baby’s first time! A good first music class also gives a good grounding in musical appreciation. Rhythm and pitch are absorbed whilst everyone is having fun. Good classes progress through age groups, making the most of the child’s development as they crawl, and then walk. There is a wide variety of instruments available on the market, from bells to glockenspiels and cimbalas, for little hands to experiment with, so do not be afraid to ask your music group about the instruments they can provide.

Studies have linked musical learning to improved self esteem, social skills, spatial reasoning, memory, performance in mathematics, problem solving and creativity and psychological health, as well as to language development and physical co-ordination (when linked with movement) in the early years.  However regardless of all these claims, making music in a secure environment is fun for both baby and carer.  Don’t miss out! Start now!

Further reading:

Music and non-musical learning: the research and its significance, Amy Stothard

Music Psychology in Education, Susan Hallam

Jenny Stothard BA PGCE

Jenny has been running music classes in the local area for 17 years, and now owns, Kindergym and Melody Minors www.kindergym.co.uk