Some mothers tap into the power of music even while their child is still in the womb. When they give birth, they also use music or even sing to their newborn to create bonds and relaxation. 

It only shows how music is an integral part of a child’s life. In Singapore, basic music education is embedded in the curriculum of primary and secondary schools–and it is, of course, for a good reason. Research suggests that music intervention delivers positive effects in supporting skills development and educational processes of children. 

While many schools offer basic music education, it is essential for every parent to know that they can maximise the benefits of music in early childhood by seeking more music learning opportunities beyond academic classrooms. In fact, parents can explore these options even before their kid starts formal schooling.

The thing about learning music at a young age is that it offers holistic benefits. From cognitive to physical and even long-term academic advantages, being exposed to music education gives children a unique and well-rounded experience. 

Specific to each child’s developmental aspect, here’s a list of reasons why music is beneficial for child development. 

Cognitive Benefits of Early Music Education

Cognitive development involves the ways in which children think and handle information as they grow. Being able to fully maximise cognitive growth requires stimulation through various activities, and an early music lesson is one of the many activities that help. 

Specifically,  early music education contributes to:

• Improved memorisation skills: When learning music, students exercise and strengthen their memory by remembering the lyrics and notes they are playing. Songs and melodies also support a student's learning process, as parents and teachers encourage them to use these musical elements to memorise and retain information. Music learners can apply this technique eventually in their academic endeavours.  
• Enhanced concentration: For every music class for kids, learners need to make paying careful attention to rhythm and pitch a habit. Getting used to concentrating in the process allows them to even apply this skill to other aspects of their lives, may it be personal or academic. 
• Stimulating pattern recognition abilities: In a music learning session, children play around with different musical elements, recognising relationships, patterns, sequences, and more. As these connections form in their mind, they develop a stronger ability to discern and apply patterns, which can enhance their skills in other areas, like reasoning or problem-solving. 
• Promoting creative thinking: Early music education stimulates imagination and creativity–it pushes students to think out of the box. While playing or listening to music, learners create scenarios in their minds, or when completing music assignments, they may also be trained to craft original compositions, lyrics, or tunes. Developing innovativeness and creativity may be essential in their future career,  academic pursuits, or personal life.

Emotional Benefits of Learning Music at a Young Age

Another reason why music is important for child development is the emotional benefits it provides. 

When you listen to music, how many times have you felt sad, happy, or deeply moved? Regardless of the emotions you experience, music has a unique ability to evoke and process feelings. 

So, how does music nurture emotional well-being in early childhood? Music can regulate the emotions of young children, and proof of this is lullabies which are known to soothe a crying baby. Listening to music is also believed to help reduce stress levels and anxiety and enhance one’s emotional well-being overall.

Furthermore, a study revealed that there are several beneficial impacts of music on a child’s development–one of which is having greater emotional intelligence. Children receiving early music education can find outlets to express themselves, grow emotionally intelligent, and characterise enhanced emotional communication.

Social Benefits of Music in Early Childhood

One of the best reasons why music is beneficial for child development is the opportunity it gives young music learners to perform in groups like choirs and orchestras. For example, by taking up music ensemble lessons, young musicians can learn how to work with a team and perform along with other people. 

Interactions and collaboration from teams can contribute to honing a child’s communication and social skills. Additionally, they can learn how to cooperate and listen when playing and making music with peers, cultivating empathy and special bonds.

Physical Benefits of Learning Music Early

Playing the instrument requires moving physically, and a learner must master mind and body coordination. 

For example, in a piano class, when children read a music sheet, their response is converted from the brain to physical motion as they translate musical notes into finger movements on the keyboard.

Moreover, compared to those who do not play instruments, children who do have improved hand and eye coordination.

Long-term Academic Advantages

One of the reasons why music is beneficial for child development is its long-term impact on a learner’s life, especially on academics. 

Music lessons have a positive impact on grades, and students who participate in music programs typically do better academically, especially on standardised tests. Apart from these, they also acquire enhanced literacy, confidence, leadership, perseverance, and independence

The Role of Parents in Early Music Education

The impact of combining music and child development can be fully realised with parental involvement in a learner’s musical journey. 

The engagement of parents significantly enhances early childhood music programs, building a stronger parent-child connection and boosting the child's confidence and self-esteem. Even a smile or applause, and other simple acts of support from a parent, can greatly enrich their child's experience with music and nurture a greater excitement for learning.

Ultimately, a parent’s support in enrolling their child in early music education is the first step in creating a strong foundation for a lifelong appreciation and enjoyment of music. After all, young children rely on their parents to provide these opportunities, considering that they are not yet capable of recognising or pursuing such experiences on their own.

As a parent, you may be asking, "How do we begin?"

Early music education projects a lifelong benefit for the child. Its cognitive, social, emotional, and physical advantages can greatly reflect a child’s academic performance, future career plans, and personal life in general. 

All the benefits from every developmental aspect equate and result in a full and enriching experience that can shape a child’s life, gearing them up for growth and success. 

If you’ve already been convinced by the many reasons why music is beneficial for child development, you may now be probably asking where and how to begin your child’s music-learning experience. 

Our highly certified teaching professionals at Music LifeStyle Academy Singapore offer various music programs, such as instrument learning for children and more. They also lead our Young Musician Courses, which are available for children as young as 3 years old.

Contact us to learn more