providing your baby or toddler with the opportunity to listen to some of these wonderful classical selections certainly won’t hurt. For example, doctors know for certain that mellow music soothes premature babies and you’ll find that neo-natal intensive care units in hospitals worldwide are playing the tapes and CDs touted by the Mozart Effect™ promoters.
by Patricia Hughes
During the past decade, much ado has been made about babies and their exposure to music in utero and during their first years – particularly their exposure to classical music. A few professors at the University of California, Irvine, even coined a name for their theory which alleges that an increase in brain development occurs in children under age 3 when they listen to classical music…specifically that of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Dubbed the Mozart Effect™, experts who penned this theory have spawned an industry that includes a plethora of music-listening CDs which contain certain works by the eccentric Austrian composer and many other classical geniuses as well as text books and other written guidance to help your child increase their brain development – even before they’re born.
Since the professors made their discovery in 1993, however, no one’s truly been able to substantiate their findings. Nevertheless, many copycats have jumped on the bandwagon, and more than a dozen years after the initial announcement came from the university, you’ll still find those who believe strongly in the theory, which has made claims that it will boost IQ, improve health, strengthen family ties and perhaps even turn your child into a prodigy – musical or otherwise.
Don’t believe it? Preliminary studies have shown, for example, that high school students who’ve studied a musical instrument throughout most of their lives score an average of 52 points higher on their SATs than those who don’t. Other studies show similar results.
The fact remains, however, that it’s too early to tell if that’s really the case. Nonetheless, providing your baby or toddler with the opportunity to listen to some of these wonderful classical selections certainly won’t hurt. For example, doctors know for certain that mellow music soothes premature babies and you’ll find that neo-natal intensive care units in hospitals worldwide are playing the tapes and CDs touted by the Mozart Effect™ promoters. A study has shown, in fact, that premature [tag-tec]babies[/tag-tec] who listened to classical music in their intensive care units gained more weight, left the hospital earlier, and had a better chance of survival than those subject to a quiet, non-musical environment.
So, why not give it a try? Music can be used to soothe a child when he/she is sick, when they’re having trouble sleeping, or when you’re just enjoying some quiet time together. It can also be used as a “marker” – to signal the start of bedtime or of a particular activity. (Don’t expect your [tag-ice]toddler[/tag-ice] to just sit and listen!)
Official Mozart Effect™ CDs and lots of knock-offs can be found online and in most record stores. If you already have a collection of classical music at home, be sure to choose mellow pieces. String quartets are often good choices. Experts say you should select music written in “sonata allegro” form – which are those pieces that have a theme, a development, and a recapitulation of the theme. Children like the repetition and organization of such pieces, say the experts.
Biography
Patricia Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four. Patricia has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. She has written extensively on pregnancy, childbirth, parenting and breastfeeding. In addition, she has written about home décor and travel.
No part of this article may be copied or reproduced in any form without the express permission of More4Kids Inc © 2006
Is it true that playing classical music makes babies smarter?
The idea comes from the Mozart Effect, a theory coined by professors at UC Irvine in 1993 suggesting that listening to Mozart could boost brain development in young children. However, the original findings have never been conclusively replicated. While the research remains inconclusive, most experts agree that playing classical music certainly won’t hurt and may have genuine soothing benefits for babies.
How does music benefit premature babies?
Studies have shown that premature babies in neonatal intensive care units who listened to classical music gained more weight, were discharged from the hospital earlier, and had better survival rates than those in quieter environments. Many NICUs around the world now routinely play calming music for this reason.
How can I use music practically in my baby’s daily routine?
Music can serve as a gentle cue or marker to signal the start of bedtime or a specific activity — babies and toddlers respond well to that kind of predictable structure. It can also be used to soothe a sick child or to create calm during quiet time together. Just don’t expect a toddler to sit still and listen!
What kind of music should I play for my baby?
Experts suggest choosing mellow, structured pieces rather than loud or erratic music. String quartets and pieces written in sonata allegro form — those with a theme, a development, and a recapitulation of the theme — are particularly well suited because the repetition and organization appeal to young children. Classical music CDs designed for babies are widely available online and in most music stores.
Patricia Hughes
Patricia Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four. Patricia has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. She has written extensively on pregnancy, childbirth, parenting and breastfeeding. In addition, she has written about home décor and travel.
Add Comment