In Focus - Music Part 2

This week Early Childhood music expert Julie Logan, tells us how to develop the musical potential in babies.

Developing the musical potential in babies

Parents are often surprised at the responses of very young babies to different sounds and styles of music. One study showed that the music most often listened to by the pregnant mother is preferred by babies after birth. It would seem that babies remember these melodies which they can hear from about the fourth month of pregnancy.

Babies respond happily by kicking and moving their arms and legs to music and are quickly soothed by lullabies and musical cot toys. By sharing music with your baby you will give your child a great start in the development of ‘focused listening’, for example, identifying sounds heard in their environment, such as birds, dogs, planes etc.? Later, this ability to recognize external sounds will assist in the development of ‘aural memory’ that is, the ability to ‘hear’ those sounds in the mind as well as recalling sequences and listening to different intonations and meanings of sound. All of these ‘musical’ skills are also extremely important in supporting the growing child’s language development.

Babies learn best by imitation through enjoyable interactions with parents and caregivers. They “practice” new skills through repetitive play which musical games facilitate. Singing and dancing together are the best musical foundations you can provide for your baby. Through the following activities you can help your baby to explore the foundations of beat (the continuous pulse we feel when marching or jigging to music); rhythm (the way the syllables of the words go); and melody,? as well as sharing the intimacy and emotional well-being that music can bring.

• Sing about everything you do together each day – use “Here we go round the Mulberry Bush” and change the words to suit what you’re doing E.G This is the way we change a nappy.
• Choose another tune you know and make up some words for bath time, feed time etc.
• Sing a variety of soothing songs but don’t always use the same song for sleep time. As baby gets older he or she may resist if it is always equated with bedtime!
• Use every opportunity to engage in musical conversations with your baby. Echo their sounds then wait for their reply. Make sure your baby can see your mouth when you sing.
• When baby is young gently rock to songs or recordings. When baby is older and has better neck control you can dance around to music and do gentle knee bounces. This will help your baby get a good sense of the beat.
• Explore different styles of music by borrowing CDs from the library or buying compilation CDs such as ABC Classic Kids, Country Kids or Jazz Kids.

$15.00 + $2.00 postage (proceeds support music programs for children with special needs).

Introducing Babies to Music is offered through do-re-mi music for children. Parents are provided with the latest findings about music and the developing child, as well as lots of ideas to try at home. The sessions also expose the children to a variety of instrument experiences (percussion and orchestral) and the opportunity to observe other families enjoying singing and dancing together.

For more information please contact: JULIE LOGAN 4963 2026 www.do-re-mi.com.au

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