The Importance Of Music For Children
Music is important for children
Why were lullabies invented? They soothe children and calm their reactions to stress. This in turn reduces the stress in the entire family. Over time, children memorize lullabies and start to sing them. Music is often a huge part of childhood. A toy piano, drums, xylophones and guitars are favorite toys for children. Parents and grandparents should encourage children to experience music. A great way to do this is to provide toy instruments to the children. These don't have to be expensive.
Children can play and enjoy their own music. While they may not develop professional talent, they will gain an understanding of music that will help them relax in the future. As they get older, consider music lessons. Qualified instructors can teach children how to play the piano, a skill that they can use for life. Your child's school may have a music or band program. Check out all of the available options that will give a musical education to children. There may be an old instrument in the family somewhere. Ask around. Do you have musicians as friends? They may have an unused instrument that they are will to part with. If you are creative, you'll find an appropriate instrument for you child. With it, they can truly expand their musical abilities. If they are lucky, their school may still have a vibrant musical program that they can join.
It's a sad fact that in these days of budget pressures for schools, early funding victims are often music programs. This is usually due to the lack of perceived direct benefit from music. This is unfortunate because while music students don't earn sponsorship dollars from their activities, they bring calmness and civility to the school. This is a direct, positive influence on the music students and to those students exposed to the sounds. With the reality of budgets, it is more important than ever that parents advocate for music funding in schools, that they provide musical avenues to their children themselves and that they encourage and support more live performance music where ever it is available in their communities.
Musical appreciation comes best through the playing of an instrument to a degree that far surpasses mere listening to iTunes. To give children a chance to calm down, it is important to instill musical appreciation from a young age. Your child doesn't have to be a musical prodigy, they just have to enjoy music for their own pleasure. Children who love music will often surprise you with their ability. Give them a chance to show what they can do. Keep emphasizing that music is fun.
Obviously parents and grandparents support music for children. This lens has been liked over 200 times. It has also received dozens of fabulous comments in the sections below. This is great news. Make sure that you follow through with your support by getting the children involved in music. Talk to them about your passion for music. Find a nice instrument that they want to play. Encourage them to sing. Volunteer to help school music programs.
Musical funding debate
As mentioned, schools often cut funding to music and other arts programs first. The impact of this loss of funding is often severe on the programs and devastating to children. Dedicated parents push on and give their children musical opportunities. This can be relatively inexpensive at first but usually requires more of the family finances in time.
Do you support the funding of musical programs in schools?
Poll about your children or grandchildren
Has your child or grandchild benefitted from playing music?
Musical Help from Amazon
Music as a Career
Many children find that they can translate their love of music into a career. This is obviously a difficult, and rare, undertaking. The book "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladstone says that 10,000 hours of practice are required to become an expert at something. The Beatles did it back in 1964. The "Fab 4" became rich with their music. Talent is required, but so is dedication. Without encouragement, however, your child is not likely going to work in the music industry. That and luck. If they want to try, beware of the difficulties, but help them.
The Internet has completely changed the music industry, although the big publishing companies don't like to admit it. New artists can publish and promote their own work and be incredibly successful. There are funding opportunities for albums or concert tours. Publishing to the web offers various revenue streams. An incredible demand for new material always exists. Budding performers can get a piece of the action if they have the talent, drive and luck. Justin Bieber did it. There will be more young superstars discovered in the future.
Great toy musical instruments for children
They don't need a baby grand piano
Children of almost any age can be taught to play any musical instrument. They will have a lot of fun making music with anything before they have any training. It is natural for children, babies even, to bang things together. If you watch them, they aren't always just smashing things together: they often will use blocks or sticks in a controlled, drumming fashion. This can be enhanced if you provide an actual toy drum to them. It doesn't have to be loud, either. Toy 
Lots of these toys are available in great condition in the used market. While space can be an issue for some bedrooms, small musical instruments can help solve this. Roll-up piano mats are available that are a lot of fun for children and they don't take up much space. The key is to provide a musical instrument to the child quite early. In time, you can upgrade the instrument to something more substantial as the desire and talent of the child increases. Part of the learning experience with and instrument is the care of it. Make a point of telling the child that it is a toy that should be treated with a little respect. Children will usually respond well to limits that are established. It will help them learn to appreciate and preserve the instrument. WIth care, the instrument will even last long enough to be passed to another child.
Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn:
Learn and Move Music Station
Music lessons for children
While musical appreciation and talent can be self-taught at an early age, formal training can really advance both in a child. There is a huge industry that has been active for hundreds of years teaching children how to play music. There are some cases where exceptional talent has come naturally but most musicians have had instruction. As a parent, you can really improve the chance that your child will develop musical talent if you can enroll your child in some formal musical instruction. It doesn't have to be expensive, either.
Check out whether your child's school has a band or orchestra. You can rent or buy a student level instrument for them to play in the school band. There are lots of trumpets, flutes, clarinets, etc, available on eBay at great prices. The school may have instruments to loan. If this is not an option for your child, check out local private music instructors. Perhaps you even have a friend or family member who instructs music. Someone in your family may have an instrument that isn't used anymore. There are lots of possibilities. A basic introduction can be learned with most any instrument, even one in poor condition. As the child gains talent, and express real desire to continue, then more advanced training and a better instrument may be appropriate. Parents should actively try to find a way to provide some formal musical instruction for their children. Even a little can pay huge dividends in your child's future. Make sure that they have fun with their instruction, however.
This Lens Has Been Blessed by Squid Angels
They know the importance of music
This lens has indeed been fortunate to have been blessed by many Squid Angels. Each of these people has directly supported the boosting of music in the lives of children. While their Squid Angel blessings have been greatly appreciated, the angels have also seen fit to contribute more to this lens. Many of the excellent comments have been given by Squid Angels. Many have squid liked the lens, liked it on Facebook and even lensrolled it to their similar lenses. All of these activities have been wonderful and I sincerely thank the Squid Angels for their interest.
We have recently been informed that the Squid Angel program has been terminated. It was a feature that would allow certain people to "bless" a lens, similar to someone liking it. "The Importance of Music For Children" was blessed by quite a number of people when the program was in place. They understand that teaching music to children is very important. They realize that children are the future of music. Thank-you.
Great musical toys on Amazon - Avoid fully automatic devices
This lens was awarded a Purple Star!
This lens has won a prestigious Squidoo Purple Star award. It was nominated by Littlelu. I appreciate the confirmation from the awards committee. This lens is important to me because of the profound influence that music has had on my life and on my children. I see the beginnings of musical appreciation in my granddaughter who 2 years old. I have ideas on how to bring this topic to the attention of more parents so that they boost access to music for their children. This Purple Star award, with the attention it brings, will help to highlight music to parents. I am very appreciative of the award!
Expose children to live music
During the spring and fall, many schools host concerts highlighting their band, choir and solo performers. Why don't you check your local schools to see what they are playing? You can also check out band camp for summer music programs. These offer young music students intensive training on their instrument. It's a great way to advance talent to the next level.
Band camps have been established in most areas and they offer students the chance to receive intensive instruction on their musical instrument. Accomplished music teachers work full time with students for a week or two, practicing increasingly difficult pieces that are appropriate for the young musicians' skills. There is usually a performance or two at the end of the band camp. These can be fantastic concerts. If you can, see if you can enrol your child in a band camp and then make sure you attend the wrap up concert.
Another great way to foster musical appreciation in children is to take them to live musical performances. iTunes, TV and radio are great, but there is a greater impact to everyone who experiences live music. Large orchestras are best, but small bands or solo acts can work too. Check out the local schools to see when they hold their concerts. These are great opportunities to expose your children to live music performed by other children.
School band programs need all the help they can get so your attendance will be very appreciated. Make it an extended family event. It is a fact that children put in a lot of effort in their musical performances and will improve their talent enormously in a surprisingly short period of time. If you attend two performances months apart by the same school band, you will notice this improvement yourself. If you bring your child to performances of local college or university students, you will be amazed at the quality of music offered. Some of these students will go on to professional careers. Some offer their own compositions, often performed in public for the first time. These students appreciate and deserve our support as well. With the quality of music performed at the college level, and the inexpensive ticket cost, it is a wonder that their performances aren't sold out months in advance.
Amazon's musical lesson options
Usually people just check out a lens and enter a simple "Nice lens", or similar comment. This lens has received a number of excellent comments that speak of the joy that people received from music. Parents, grandparents, musicians and others have left fabulous words of advice, encouragement and support for the advancement of music for children. These words are very appreciated and represent the huge amount of support that exists for music in schools. If you have a few moments, be sure to review some of the comments yourself. There are some amazing ones in the list.
Note that this lens has been liked by over 300 people. Thank-you all!
Amazon Search For Children's Music
Your comments are welcome
Voted up and sharing, great hub.
Nice lense
Wonderful lens! I played flute in school, and continued for many years (well till a house fire burned two of them up as well as a brand new keyboard), Hopefully I'll get a new keyboard soon. No, I'm not concert quality, but I enjoy it, and yes I think it did add to my appreciation of music.
Would you believe my dad chopped up our childhood piano for kindling because he didn't want to pay to have it re-tuned and repaired? Wacky!
Music in schools is very important. Two of my favorite teachers were the music instructors. (Both coincidentally named Mr. D.)
Amazing lens thank you :)
Good lens. Thank you.
Love your lens. I agree music is great for young children. I've read that playing music to unborn baby is very beneficial as it can help to speed up development.
I think music is important for everyone. I'm happy to say my 2 daughters love music and I think they got it from their upbringing.
Music is a very important part of a child's development. Both my parents played piano, my father also plays guitar. Now my bother plays 8 instruments and us (3 girls play) play guitar, piano and flute. Both my chilren play guitar and sing pretty well. So To me music must be taught since the early years.Also music is used as a therapy like in the Tomatis Method. Loved your article about the importance of music for children :)
Returning with fresh angel dust for this important subject, all my children play one or more instruments...music is an important heritage to pass through the generations.
This is a great lens, I got my nephew a keyboard at 3. I think every child should play as soon as they can try!
I do storytimes for very young children, and music is the way I reach out to those babies! Kids love music so much, and there are so many studies about how important it is to their brain development. Great lens on a very important subject, thanks!
I love this lens. Music is important to everyone. I guess everyone in the world will listen 1 music every day.
Music is very important
Teaching children music is A MUST :) It helps
One of the reasons my kid goes to the school she does is because of their encouragement of artistic and musical abilities. She's only 4 years old but she loves her little toy instruments and enjoyed beginner's piano during the summer. Congrats on the purple star!
I can see why this lens won a purple star! My mother was a pianist and I remember learning to play from the little book, 'Teaching Little Fingers to Play.' I think it is still being used!
I have six kids, and have seen the benefits of music in so many ways. Infants interact with music before they even leave the woom and once out, it becomes a calming and soothing source. I love watching my little ones dance and run around as music plays.
Thanks for this interesting article. Music benefits children in many ways!
Everyone, at every opportunity, should encourage music in their homes. It doesn't matter what kind of music it is. Have affordable instruments like recorders and harmonicas lying around. When your kid picks up an instrument, look for free lessons and free music sheets online. Do anything you can to support their exploration into the freedom to express that music provides.
The schools can provide support for music but funding is such a fluctuating issue. Don't let your kid's potential be limited by other's choices. Even if you have very little money, music can fill your house if you just sing. Honestly, it makes a real difference.
I appreciate what you have written here. I think it is important to help everyone on earth to experience 10,000 hours of musical exploration, even if they only do so in their own homes. It's key to the development of our social sensitivity to the beauty that the world has to offer.
"Music will save the world."- Pablo Casals
Music can help them learn all thing faster. Very informative!
Music is so wonderful for children. They benefit so much from hearing music, learning to play an instrument and generally learning to appreciate it!
Science and math classes are important but must be balanced with the liberal arts in order to give people a well-rounded education.
Music does help to frame our moods, it can calm a crowd or generate a mob. Music moves us for sure.
Couldn't agree more. I often say to my kids, where would we be without music? Music is vital for everybody.
At School we had Music Classes and I am so glad that we did. We know who Mozart was but none of the kiddies here know who he is or was.
Returning with fresh angel dust...because music IS important for children!
within two months, I will be a father. Lens that you created, has given me a new knowledge. Thank you very much for the article that gave me this new knowledge.
Really nice lens. My daughter love music. She play children's piano a lot.
Music is such a precious gift on so many levels! Children LOVE music. Wise parents will share musical experience with their children. It is an incredible bond and can affect the relationship between parent and child throughout their lifetimes.
My children are young but already I can see their love of music. They dance whenever they hear a tune and make instruments out of simple toys (they do also have toy instruments that they enjoy.) They partipate in a program called Music Together that they truly love. I think music enhances the brain at an early age and is a joy throughout life. My older sister plays in the WI symphony orchestra.
This is a great lens.
I think there is on one who do not like music.
I am so happy to have found this lens, very relevant to our family's interests. I am sure my darling wife will love it. Thank you.
Well done for this beautiful lens! You deserved the purple star.
My stepson has studied music for 8 years and was just awarded a full scholarship to USC. He was also offered scholarships to two arts colleges. Music teaches discipline and the importance of teamwork. We are so grateful to the teachers who inspired him to stick with it.
you are blessed!
Great lens!
I was terrible at music when I went to school. But the participation in the programs where well worth it. Then I became a teacher and for sure know how important music can be in the lives of children. Congratulations on your Purple Star award--well deserving in mu opinion.
BRAVO!
My children received a rich musical life as part of being in Berkeley. They will profit from it for their entire lives.
i would have loved to play the piano,but my parents didn't had the money for the lessons.When i will have a child I will certainly let him play an instrument.The music is a very good food for the soul.
This is such a great lens. I think that music is such a great idea for children. It is very soothing and fun to listen to. I was in orchestra, choir, band, and marching band throughout my school years and I absolutely loved it. It is also such a great therapeutic tool for all ages.
Thank you for creating this excellent lens!
Thank you for a great lens.
very interesting lens....well done
I would like to invite you to read my lens on the Greek debt. Thank you.
I feel sorry for kids that don't get to learn about music. It was my favorite class in elementary.
The benefits of music for children are varied - and there are many. Great work - blessed.
Being exposed to many different facets of life at an early age is an invaluable experience. As kids we don't see the value, but upon my reflection as an adult, I realize that it allows one to find out where our natural talent and interests lie.
I agree that music can play such an important role in the development of a child. The benefits of music programs in schools are immeasurable. It's sad that so much funding has been moved from this area and agree it's even more important now than ever for the parents to step in and do what they can to see that their children are still able to fully explore the arts, including music, whether it's through before and after school programs (which are often inexpensive..sometimes kindly offered free through the generosity of a passionate teacher, such as our handbell program at my girls' school), lessons, museum visits, etc. I'm very grateful myself that my husband is a musician and willing teacher to our two girls.
I always appreciate people who support the arts in youth
When my twins were newborns, I played classical music. Today, they don't appreciate the top 20 hits; they favor "real" music played by artists and vocalists.
Thank you so much. I had CDs playing in the hospital room from the time my daughter was born. She now plays three musical instruments, sings, participates in four school music ensembles and dances ballet, tap, jazz, song and dance, and in troupes. I think the music helped!
Exposing children to live music, is an important part of getting them interested in music. Nicely done.
Just had to pop back and bless this lens, now that I have wings. :)
A fantastic lens that tackles a subject close to my heart. Music is my favourite thing in life and I love how it can inspire and enlighten people around the world. Children should be taken more lessons on actual instruments rather than playing on rock band or guitar hero all the time.
I enjoyed music classes in school when I was a child and cannot imagine how closed minded I would have been to so many things without music. I enjoy reading the articles people have actually written themselves, as I have yours.
Great to see this topic getting good exposure! Imagine a world where every child started life with the opportunity to enjoy music, and to experience it in different forms... imagine that generation growing up and running the world :)
personally, I love to see children perk up when they are exposed to music.
Music is important for children for their development-- as any other art form is important too.Music is also important for animals -- and as research has shown -- for plants too. I great lens about an interesting topic.
This is such an important subject that I had to come back to this lens and bless it now that I have my angel status.
Wonderful lens. You've been blessed by a Squid angel.
Wonderful lens. You've been blessed by a Squid angel.
This lens is not just about music but about families working and appreciating each other which spills over into the whole community where you live. My children even got to sing at the Nations Capital in Washington DC for Christmas when they were younger. No one is a loser because all those involved are gifted with Love and Care right from an early age. Great lens.
First off let me say Thank you for Blessing my Lenses! Indeed the importance of music to children is eminence! But speaking from personal experience it is one of the most significant parts of my life!
This is so important--I remember fondly the instruments I played as a kid; I still play the piano today and am trying to foster my love for it in my son.
My parents have had me learning to play the piano since I was eight and I also play the trumpet. It's a lot of work, but it has helped me with my Scouting advancements.
I am revisiting this lens. Music in the schools is an important subject.
Very informative lens. Thank you! Music is important to our lives.
Very informative lens. Thank you! Music is important to our lives.
I grew up in a large family. Mum was a music teacher so most of the children got lessons from her. When it came my turn mum was not able to give me lessons but that was okay as I learned to play by ear and also taught myself to read notes. Our family used to entertain at weddings and other local events. I don't know what our lives would have been like without music. Well deserved purple star!
Yeah!!
I wish my parents had placed more emphasis on music when we were growing up. I think that because there were so many of us in the house my dad didn't want anymore "noise" as he called it, getting into his ears. I feel like I lost out on a lot, so it's good that you are highlighting the importance of music for children.
I remember the music fieldtrips from my own childhood the most of all fieldtrips - my favorite was Yo Yo Ma at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall - awesome !
Important topic, well done. I would have loved to have music instruction as a child. Have only learned a little as an adult, but playing music (with my husband) brings a lot of relaxation and fun.
I becme ill at the age of 15years being diagnosed with gran mal epilepsy at the time. My parents felt that I could not return to normal academic education. I sent to learn music. It actually healed me and I not longer get seizeures and I was able to return to ;attend university and graduate with honors.
wow that's amazing....
Great lens, now I see why it was featured. Outstanding work!
Great work! best wishes :)
A beautiful lens on a beautiful topic! Music is so important for your children, because it can introduce them to a world beyond the 4 walls of the classroom. Music also helps children to learn, as catchy tunes can stay with children much longer than simple explanation ever can. Thank you.
- AUTHOR
@Krafick: ...although certain types of music may not work this way!
Music is divine. You have beautifully phased the musical importance in this lens.....great job!!
I grew up with music and made sure my children did too. Now we're passing the love along to our grandchildren. We have a number of musical instruments for them to play here, and luckily there are several musicians in our family. Good lens. Congrats on the purple star.
Personally, I do encourage kids to learn some music instrument.
All of my children are music lovers, only 2 went part of the way to learning to play instruments however. We still have the paino, organ and guitar JIC any or all of them wish to continue. Thank you for this lovely lens.
A music lover is always a peaceful person. There would be more peace around if more children were taught music. Rafick
I think Music is important while growing up, I was in the choir and practiced the violin when I was young I was not very good but I enjoyed it and have some fond memories
Thanks for creating this lens. Definitely Purple Star worthy.
Great lens! I agree that music should be considered an important part of a child's education. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to study music and attend wonderful performances as a child and teenager.
What a fantastic lens - the importance of music is apparent in all of the kids I know who have learned it, they shine in all other areas, too!
even rehearsals it is important if parent attend such, they should attend with their children and i second dani wong33 with me and my wife music in now the born marrow, my is that God keeps me strong so the i may keep my two children in the music world
i know that music are very good for all age, espescially if we hear the music to the baby when it's inside mom's stomach. it will increase baby brain electron moving
Great Lens, well deserves the Purple Star. Music is so important for children!
Yes, music is so important the child has to discover the world and sounds.
Wish I could play the piano, but my fingers are to short. Nice lens.
Great lens, if you check my lens My First Art Class you'll see I try to let parents know the importance of having arts training in their curriculum. It doesn't matter if the child has natural talent. It's an experience that will make a well rounded child, and who knows, they could come to love playing an instrument or painting, for example. See you around the galaxy...
Music is essential to helping developing imagination in young children and adults. I don't know what I would do without it and I only listen to the radio.
Great lens that deserves the purple star and squid angel blessings!
Love music, food for our souls
Very happy to have come across this lens. It spotlights such a critical topic. I am a huge supporter of music opportunities for children. Thanks for being such a strong proponent.
Good lens, and I joined your fan club.
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