Research has consistently shown that the developmental toll for higher-risk children that begins in their second year of life can be substantially reduced through high-quality early childhood programs. That same research indicates not only improved performance in reading and mathematics in elementary and secondary school, but also a reduction in special education placement and grade retention, among many other practical benefits.
Music is a particularly powerful catalyst for early childhood learning opportunities because it causes chemical changes in the brain that improve the regulation of attention, memory, and learning as well as emotional and cognitive decision making — all while also enhancing motor and multisensory connectivity in the brain! The result? Improved executive function which increases children’s focus and self-control.
Musical aptitude builds math skills!
The ability to recognize notes and pitch changes boosts concentration, the ability to visualize complex numerical problems, and understanding how to rearrange them to solve equations and other calculations. STEM programs that utilize music to introduce and practice key concepts have been shown to be highly successful in helping preschool children master foundational programming and engineering concepts while promoting a collaborative and creative environment.
For example, our no-cost early childhood music program, Sound Scholars™, gives children experience practicing with such varied skills as: discrimination, sequencing, categorizing, arranging, attention span, creativity, critical thinking, spatial skills, communication skills, collaborations, listening, and problem solving.
Of course, the kids who participate would say their daily, 30 minute classes are mostly games and all fun! Because there’s a reason why we say we “play” instruments. Play, and the fun of music making, is at the heart of our program, which is why the three learning levels are associated with Hood Canal animals that use play as a primary method of learning: Otters, Seals, and Porpoises.
