Babies Thrive on Classical Music
Date :
Monday, August 30 2010
Source:
Autourina Mains
Within first weeks in the womb the infant has the ability to process sound and music. The auditory system is one of the first sensory organs that develops brain connections. By the time the baby is born, he is able to recognize familiar tunes and songs. He is able to distinguish his parent’s voice from others and may show a preference to songs sung by his parents than by others. Research shows that newborns are sensitive to pitch and beat in music as well.
Music is an integral part of many cultures. In our own culture we use music in every aspect of life. Restaurants and pubs use music to help set the mood. We have music in elevators “elevator music” is soothing so as to calm any stress related with being in confined areas. People play music to help them work out, clean house, wash their car or even drive long distances. Why is music so important in our lives? Research tells us that music has amazing affects of calming, uplifting mood, and overall influence on growth and development.
Much research has been conducted on the affects of music exposure in prenatal and early infancy. Babies that are exposed to music (classical music in particular) seem to develop stronger skills. Classical music has a relaxing effect on the brain (not necessarily for sleep, but for increased learning). When the brain is relaxed, it is most alert and most able to learn and contain what it learns. Reduce stress and a more relaxed state of being results in increase in learning and memory. I always tell my students in the college classes I teach in advance that I don’t believe in giving tests because I want them to relax and learn. Some teenagers listen to music while doing homework and though I can’t, I realize it is relaxing to them.
Exposure to classical music in infancy has the following affects on your baby’s growth and development:
• Helps the baby develop language skills because it helps build auditory memory which is important in distinguishing similar sounds (like D and B)
• Helps develop cognitive and social skills
• Reduces stress
• Slows down heart rate to put the baby in more relaxed state
• Soft music helps the body create endorphins which are natural relaxants
• Can decrease the trauma of birth Since birthing experience is quite stressful to the baby some hospitals play classical music to newborns to help ease the trauma.
Music therapy has been used for premature babies as well. Research has been conducted on the affects of music on premature babies and the results have shown decreased developmental delays, pain relief, and weight gain. These little ones especially benefited when they heard their mothers singing to them as well. Listening to music helps the babies develop long term memories, detect patterns, and gain a sense of pitch. Expose your baby to music as much as possible.
Though research shows classical music is most beneficial, don’t forget the importance of singing to your baby. If you are musically talented and can play an instrument then share that gift with your baby. Playing musical instruments, singing to your baby and playing classical music for your baby will create a deeper bond between you and your baby as well as develop his/her cognitive, language, and social skills.