Musicality

Ever since I can remember there was music in my home. We had a piano in the living room where our family would gather to sing while my father or sister played. We also had a record player with recordings of classical, show tunes, and pop music. Dad taught us harmony at an early age. When I went off to kindergarten there was a weekly music workshop (we played xylophones, learned elementary keyboard concepts, participated in sing-alongs and toyed joyfully with all manner of noisemakers - wood blocks, triangles, and that most magical of all musical trinkets, the kazoo. I've been afflicted with the music bug ever since. As a matter of fact, music has become a focal point of my existence, offering solace in times of turmoil, release in times of tension and a grounding sense of self in times when I've desperately needed an anchor. It has sustained me like nothing else, and though it's been many years since those xylophone-clinking days in kindergarten, I can't imagine how my life might have been without this early exposure to the magic of melody, harmony and rhythm.

Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be tone deaf! Your children will thank you for giving them the chance to explore their musicality. And the main reason is...well, it's fun! Few joys in life can compare to the thrill of creating music and the satisfaction of performing it for that most important of all audiences - oneself.
I still remember the first time I played as part of an ensemble - the chills that ascended my spine in response to the awesome power of many instruments playing in unison. It totaled something far greater than its components. The experience resonates with me today as much as it did then. It gave me a sense of something greater than myself and instilled a respect for the power of music which I carry with me to this day.
Music constitutes a source of understanding in a world of discord and mistrust, transcending all barriers imposed by the diversity of backgrounds, religions and languages. If music can take us beyond our personal cares and concerns, maybe it can also transcend the political turmoil that separates human beings.

Lofty ideals aside, there's also a body of scientific evidence that children exposed to music at an early age reap many rewards in later life. There is a strong correlation between the study of music and the development of skills needed to become successful in life: self-discipline, patience, coordination, memorization and concentration.

Even if your child doesn't show signs of musical talent, exposure to music can affect improvements in intellectual functioning that will help him or her excel in academic pursuits. Studies support the notion that exposure to or involvement in musical activities can improve student achievement in reading, writing, math and science. High school students who participate in arts education courses get better grades and score higher on SATs than those who don't. What better investment can you make in your child's future?

It's been established that learning a foreign language is easier for children than adults. In this context, music may be considered a language and the same principle of aptitude applies. It's also been shown that all children possess innate musical ability; some two-month-old infants can match the pitch, melody and dynamic nuances of songs their parents sing, and at four months, some infants can mimic rhythmic patterns as well.
Learning begins at home. Our government downplays the importance of a musical education. In response to budget limitations in public schools, arts programs are typically among the first "frills" to be axed. But even without access to proper instruction, there is still value in basic musical experimentation. If parents can't afford lessons, they should at least buy an inexpensive keyboard, or sing regularly with their kids and involve them in musical activities.

The best reason to involve your kids in music is obvious. Few avocations can provide such fulfillment over an entire lifetime than the personal expression that's afforded by making music. And as one's appreciation for the arts is enhanced, so is the richness of one's life.