How Music Benefits the Brains of Young Children

Though considered an “extra” by some, music is integral to almost every culture and ingrained in the human experience. 

In fact, music occupies more areas of the brain than language does! Our brains are literally wired for music(1).

It brings people together, from the first dance at a wedding to holiday carols to international touring concerts. 

It elicits emotions - think anxiety during a scary movie or excitement at a sports game. It also regulates us. What spa or gentle yoga class would be complete without soothing music in the background? 

The purpose of participating in music can be a hobby or a career, a mood booster or relaxant, a creative outlet, and so much more. 

Its uses are not limited to adults either. Interaction with music extends as far back as our infancy - even in the womb! Musical experiences in childhood can actually accelerate brain development, especially in language and reading skills(2).

Language Development

Children who grow up listening to music develop strong auditory and music-related neural connections that strengthen their language skills. This is critical for learning both our native language as well as additional ones.

As young children, we learn to recognize the rhythm and tone (the music!) of our native language long before we can say the words. 

Most people can remember several songs they learned as children. This is because music helps us retain words and ideas much more effectively. 

Rhythm and repetitive patterns are powerful tools for helping us (and young children) memorize words. Eventually, with the help of repetition, the brain begins to understand the sounds and organize them into language.

Music can also improve listening comprehension. Infants process simple melodies and use them to understand basic words or phrases. For example, the alphabet song uses the same widely recognizable tune as “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”, yet very young children can both memorize letters in the alphabet and conceptualize stars twinkling in the sky using this melody.

Listening and Comprehension

Body Awareness and Coordination

Once toddlers master walking and standing on their feet, you’ll probably catch them swaying or bouncing when they hear music. Bouncing or swaying rhythmically to a piece of music (especially with an adult’s help) is critical for developing an internal sense of rhythm as well as learning to control one’s body with grace and ease.

Try bouncing to a song like “Bounce Along”. Put your child on your lap and bounce your legs rhythmically. When appropriate, lift your child into the air and watch them squeal with delight.

Music also helps children develop their emerging body awareness. By including the names of body parts in songs along with actions, children learn the names, whereabouts, and functions of their body parts. They also learn to isolate and feel each one. 

Songs that help toddlers improve their body coordination include “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”, “Walk and Stop”, and many more. 

Melody and rhythm lend themselves especially well to games, such as “Ring Around the Rosey” or “Musical Chairs”. These activities require them to recognize the form of the music and which actions reflect each section of the song. 

Music games also require children to collaborate and interact with other children, which can heighten their socio-emotional awareness and help children recognize, direct, and convey their emotions in a healthy manner(4).

Emotion Regulation