Role And Importance Of Music In Child Development: Top Benefits

Music has been a part of every culture for numerous decades now. It is there in all aspects of our lives, whether movies, TV shows, prayers, theatre, celebrations, etc. For many families, music has become a regular experience at home. When it comes to kids, it is essential for their overall development. 

As per a study by USC, music has the potential to speed up the development of the brain in kids. Certain parts of the brain process sound, speech and reading. Music develops these parts and improves the brainpower of the kids. 

Hence, it is crucial for parents to realize the importance and role of music in child development. It can soothe and calm the kids, make them feel happy and joyful, improve communication skills, along with offering several more benefits. 

You might have noticed children moving their heads, hands, or legs when they listen to the music they enjoy. They like some of their favourite songs to be played again and again. Along with making them happy, it also brings several positive impacts on them, such as exposure to emotions, sense of self, etc. 

Let’s talk about the benefits of music for children and how it helps in their development.

Importance of Music in Child Development 

1. Happiness and Joy

The way music excites and makes us happy as adults, it does the same to children. Playing delightful music can make them happy and joyful. Music is definitely a mood lifter for kids and has the potential to prevent them from feeling sad or alone. It also brings positive emotions, such as affection and love. 

Feelings of joy and happiness play a vital role in child development. Mood swings and stress make their brains weak, which affects their learning power and mental health. 

As well said by the famous American philosopher William James, “I don’t sing because I’m happy. I’m happy because I sing.”

2. Develops Intimacy

The way close relationships build the feeling of intimacy in children, the relevant music can also do it. The primary practices for developing intimacy in kids are spending more time with them, hugging them every now and then, and playing soulful music. 

For instance, you can play some lullabies to calm them down and make them sleep. It also brings a sense of care, love, and security to kids. 

3. Imagination Power and Communication

Music helps children to build neural pathways even when they are yet to learn to talk. The neural pathways are used to listen and speak. When kids listen to good music, it accelerates the development of these neural pathways, which helps in improving their imagination power and communication. 

You might have noticed kids mimicking some songs or babbling. This is how it works for children. The role of music in child development can’t be ignored when such benefits are there. It makes them think creatively and understand the meanings of words. 

4. Sensory Development

The way textures, colours, etc., are important to develop senses in kids, music is also a key ingredient for it. You should play different types of music for your kids so that varied pathways are created in their brain cells. It helps further to develop a sense of belongingness. 

Many preschools and primary schools include music in their curriculum so that the children feel connected to the things around them. For instance, schools make kids participate in songs and dances related to the independence of the country to make them realize the role of soldiers and bravehearts. 

5. Verbal Intelligence

Research shows that music lessons help toddlers significantly boost their verbal intelligence. Within 20 days of music training, the study found that 90% of children experienced verbal intelligence. 

In addition, music also helps children to understand the new words better and learn their meaning. 

Wrapping Up:

There are several benefits of music for child development that parents today should not ignore. While top schools are incorporating music in the curriculum, parents also should play good and soothing music like lullabies to calm kids, help them learn new things, soothe their brains, and speed up their overall development. As well said by Plato, “I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning.”

Also read – How can games in Classroom enhance learning capabilities?