Music is present wherever we go. Whether it’s a song playing on the radio, or even the windshield wipers swiping back and forth, we hear music and feel rhythm all the time! Surrounding your little ones with music at an early age not only builds their musical abilities, but in my opinion, is a key ingredient in a child’s development. Both music and movement together can help improve social and emotional strength, language, reading, motor skills, and more. Plus, most importantly, it brings us joy!
When To Get your Child Involved in Music
Many families ask me if a newborn is too young to start classes, and the answer is no! Babies recognize melodies and sounds, and although they might not be active in class, they are fully engaged, listening to all of the different sounds. When your baby tries to mimic a sound or wiggle to the music, that is a true sign they are actively listening and learning. Once our babies grow and are more mobile, I like to start incorporating movement. This allows them to practice self-expression and really feel the music. Songs with repetition are key; it helps them to learn and memorize the music quickly. One of the most important aspects of class which we cannot forget, are the parents and caregivers. They are the role models, and everything they do, children will mirror. They are little sponges soaking up the world around them. Therefore, the more the parents or caregivers participate in class, the better!
I encourage you to try out a class with your children. It is amazing to watch your little one transform and grow after only a few weeks in class. You will start to see your baby bounce, your toddler sway to the rhythm, and I think you’ll find yourself doing the same!
Resource for Parents
Below are a list of wonderful programs that teach music classes all over the country. Find your local center and start singing.
Music Together (I am a certified Music Together teacher here in Atlanta, GA!)
Music for Aardvarks and other Mammals
I have also recently released my own children’s music EP, “Dear, Little One”, which is available on all streaming platforms.
www.smarturl.it/singalongwithsarah
Music at Home
Listening to music at home is awesome too! This is a great and easy way to stream music at home and can even connect to Spotify or other streaming devices!
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Read another Twinsie Tips article here: Parent’s Guide to Developmental Milestones (Birth to Three Years Old)
Sarah has a passion for music and children, which perfectly blends everything she loves to do. She was certified and trained at the corporate headquarters for Music Together® in Hopewell, NJ. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Vermont, where she minored in music. Sarah is a professional singer and songwriter, whose music has been featured on NBC’s, The Voice and TBS’s, Angie Tribeca. She won a John Lennon Songwriting award for her country song, Stay. She has toured the country performing with artists, Rachel Platten, Tony Lucca, Teddy Geiger and Tyler Hilton. If you are curious about Sarah’s adult music, please feel free to look up her singer-songwriter website at; www.sarahmilesmusic.com
If you live in the Atlanta area, give Sarah’s Music Together classes a try! She would love to meet you and your little one!
8 Comments
Http://www.myhipom.com
Thanks, it is quite informative
Leah
Awesome! My 18 month old just finished her first month of Kindermusik classes. I so wish we had a Music Together class in our area, as I think it would be even more beneficial for her. (I am an elementary music teacher, and I like their curriculum better) After just four lessons of Kindermusik, she recognizes and loves the songs, and is keeping a steady beat on her lap!
Heather @ A Heart of Humility
I love this post! My son is two now and since he was in the womb, I would sing and play music for him. Now he tells me, “Let’s dance mommy,” as we listen to music and dance in our home! Thanks for sharing!
heather
We listen to classical music during art time. I enjoy it, as do my girls! 🙂
Courtney
I love this post so much! My husband is a musician and we have introduced our baby to all kinds of music since he was in the womb. He is now 10 months old and his absolute favorite thing to do is to sit with his dad while he plays guitar, piano or drums. I love seeing the look on his face when he recognizes melodies and sounds. Although, I do hope he gets his vocal abilities from my hubby instead of me! 😉
susie liberatore
My son LOVES LOVES music this has been so important to us! Especially with him being autistic.
Jordan
I love this! Our little girl fell in love with her grandmother’s piano when she was around one and loved the different sounds it could make. I’ve never heard of some of these resources, so I will definitely check them out! 🙂
Jaclyn Musselman
My youngest and I went to Music Together for over two years—loved it! My kids are all into music and my older two play the piano.