subject: The Influence of Music to the Intellectual Development of Children [print this page] The Influence of Music to the Intellectual Development of Children
In fact, music is able to influence the intellectual development of children. It also can make smart kids socialize.
The statement above is based on some researches that are done by some music experts and educators to see the positive effects of some kinds of music. Indeed, many facts are revealed from the study. One of the results of the study is that there is an interesting relationship between music and human intelligence. Classical music by Mozart, for example, can have stimulating effects that are good for babies.
However, actually, you can use not only classical music by Mozart. All quiet, rhythmic music can give good effects to the fetus, infants and children.
Starting from the Voices of Mother
Music provides benefits, even since the fetus is in the womb. Starting at age ten weeks, the fetus has already heard the sounds of his mother's body, such as heartbeat and the swish of blood flow. Then, around age sixteen weeks, the fetus begins to hear voices from outside the mother's body. Starting from this stage, he learns further to recognize various sounds that exist in this world.
In the first year of his birth, the baby's brain will grow very fast compared to other ages. The role of voice and music at this stage is as a stimulant that can optimize his intellectual and emotional development. Even, according to a research conducted by Anne Blood from McGill University in Canada, the maternal heartbeat sounds are heard by the baby while feeding and because of the sounds, his weight can increase.
Music Harmony
To find out why music affects the child's intelligence, you should know first the music itself. Music has three important parts, namely beet, rhythm and harmony. Combination of the three would produce good music. Good music is the music to align the three.
Meanwhile, in the human brain, there are receptors (signal receivers) that can recognize music. Baby's brain had been able to receive the music even though with limited ability. His limited ability itself is due to his brain growth that has not been perfect. In this case, music is one of stimulation to accelerate and enrich your baby's brain development.
Building Confidence
Since becoming the fetus, children are accustomed to hear wonderful music. Music does not only optimally enhance their cognition, but also build emotional intelligence. Besides, there are many more uses of music to children. For example, music can enhance their motor development, improve language skills, mathematics, as well as social skills, and build confidence.
Even, nowadays, music is used for therapeutic purpose. In various studies, there are some evidences of the use of music to solve various problems from anxiety to cancer, high blood pressure, chronic pain, dyslexia, and even mental illness.
Being Independent
Music therapy can also be used to optimize the capabilities and potentials of people with mental retardation/ "down syndrome", mild emotional disturbances, autism, cerebral palsy, "hydrocephaly," and "asperger".
