What do you think of when you hear the term “music lessons for children?” If you are like most people, you think of violin lessons, voice lessons, or guitar lessons. These are obviously lessons that you two-year-old is not going to understand or have the physical capability of going through. For that reason, many parents of young children count music lessons out completely until their children are much older. That is a shame, considering the value children can get out of early childhood music programs.
An early childhood music program is designed specifically for younger children. They typically have a maximum age limit for participants, rather than a minimum age limit. They are designed to use music and movement to help children develop physical, mental and social skills that are needed in daily life. Not only do children learn valuable skills for their development in the early years, but they learn lessons that will be carried with them throughout the future.
Most parents acknowledge that music and movement lessons can have a positive influence on their children, but they underestimate the abilities of younger children. Some do not know there are early childhood music programs designed just for babies and toddlers, while others assume their young children cannot understand music, much less create music on their own. These parents are very wrong, since small children are exploring and learning from music every single day.
This brings many parents to wonder at what age they should start their children on music and movement lessons. The answer is simple: as early as possible!
Newborn babies can start exploring music and movement in their own homes with the companionship of their parents. Parents can hold babies in their arms and dance with them, and spend time singing to them. Parents may also introduce physical movement by moving their baby’s legs and arms as they sing to them. This can turn into excellent bonding time for parent and child.
Once the baby is able to hold their own head up and starts to roll over and play with their own fingers and toes, parents can take their music and movement lessons to the next level. They can allow babies to dance on their own by holding their arms with their feet on the ground. They can also encourage babies to start singing simple songs, with the understanding that they will not properly speak all of the words. It is the development of language and enjoyment of music and movement that matters.
By the age of three or four, babies are ready for early childhood music programs, with their parents as active participants. These programs are typically designed for children under the age of eight or nine, and will expose children to a variety of musical instruments as well as theories on dance and movement.
Even if children do not progress from early childhood music programs to advanced musical pursuits, these classes will teach them valuable lessons and help them develop in a fun manner. It is never too early to start exploring music with children!