Behold . . . the Power of Kindermusik!
We know we’re being dramatic, but I’m afraid we won’t apologize . . . because the
research about music and children’s development is truly jaw-dropping. In the last
couple of years, the eyes of the research community have turned increasingly to
music, and the marvels and mysteries they have discovered are nothing short of amazing
(though perhaps not exactly surprising to people who’ve regularly witnessed its
effect). The bottom line: early, positive, age-appropriate experiences with music—like
Kindermusik—can have a remarkable and research-proven impact on children’s learning,
including language and literacy skills (e.g., vocabulary, comprehension, listening,
expression); social and emotional development; mathematics and pattern-recognition
skills; and even ability to plan, guide, and self-regulate behavior. It’s a lot
to keep track of, so we’ve summarized the latest research on the benefits of Kindermusik-style
music and movement experiences. Take a look . . .
Music & Literacy
Early music experiences can have a significant impact on literacy and reading. According
to experts, learning to read depends on acquiring a variety of skills, including
phonological processing, oral language, and comprehension. So when it comes to these
literacy-boosting skills . . . how does Kindermusik fit in?
- Kindermusik Classes: On the Path to Reading (“Our Time”)
by Suzanne I. Barchers, Ed.D. and Heidi Gilman Bennett
- Kindermusik Classes: On the Path to Reading (“Imagine That”)
by Suzanne I. Barchers, Ed.D. and Heidi Gilman Bennett
Music & Math
There is no longer any doubt that there is a significant link between early music instruction and cognitive growth in certain other, “nonmusical” abilities, such as math, memory, and spatial-temporal reasoning. In fact, studies focused specifically on music for young children even suggest that these cognitive gains increase according to the number of years that students engage in active music learning, and even that the younger children are when they begin, the greater the gains will be!
The Impact of Music on Mathematics Achievement by Deanne Kells, M.A.
Music & Social/Emotional Development
Coming soon!