Check out 7 Surprising Benefits of Music Education

What a great article, I couldn’t have said it better.

 7 Surprising Benefits of Music Education 

Nightime Songs

In working with my Alzheimer’s clients I try to find ways to connect with them.  Themes are always fun and having a single thread that ties things together provides a comfort level in participation.  I try to include songs that they will be able to sing, or would be fun to play shaker instruments with, or to accompany with drumming.

When our facility had a “pajama” day I decided to include songs that had a “night time” theme.

• Blue Moon
• Blue Moon of Kentucky
• Any lullaby–Hush Little Baby Don’t Say a Word
• You are my Sunshine
• The Lion Sleeps Tonight
• Silent Night
• O Holy Night
• Round Midnight
• Day-O (the Banana Boat Song) remember from “Beetle Juice”

I would love to get other ideas!

Music and Autism

Discovering Music And Autism And The Connection They Share
by: Rachel Evans
For the parents of a child with autism it can be a continuous process to search for new activities and stimulations that can prove to be a benefit their child. And the hardest part can be discerning the validity of the treatment in question, and the true long-term effects of implementation. But with music and autism, the experts agree that music is an invaluable tool for helping in the developmental process of an autistic child.
It is recognized that children with autism tend to have an impaired capacity to converse, learn efficiently, intermingle socially, and develop and acquire new skills. But due to the complex yet predictable structure of music, it can help with all of these problems.
This predicable repetition provides a great learning tool for autistic children. It has also been shown to greatly improve an autistic child’s social skills as well as patience and tolerance.

Multiple Benefits

Not only can music be used to effectively treat autistic children; it can be a great diagnostic tool as well. For example, exposure to music can help to determine the strengths of the child can be identified and weaknesses can be exposed.
Furthermore, studies have revealed that autistic children show a much higher desire to listen to music when compared to peers of their same age. So while listening to music can be a valuable teaching tool for a child with autism, it can also be a rewarding experience. This may be due to the fact that studies have shown children with autism have an increased ability to discern pitch from other children, making listening to music a more interactive experience.
Modes of Delivery

There are different methods for pairing together music and autism. Besides simply presenting a child with music, you can give them access to a story or lesson taught with musical additions or enhancements. And in many cases, these lessons are made with autistic children in mind, and come as part of a set or series. You can even pick one out based on age group or your child’s ability to learn.
Moreover, some teachings are offered that team up musical elements with activities that help a child to stimulate learning processes and capabilities by asking questions and stimulating memory.
The ultimate goal of these musical lessons is to increase the learning capacity of an autistic child. And while the benefits of doing this are numerous, widespread, and widely endorsed by experts, the greatest benefit of all might be the enjoyment offered to your child.

So we’ve learned that music and autism go hand in hand. It’s hard to know exactly what causes autistic children to become so engaged with musical elements. It could be due to their increased pitch sensitivity, or their willingness to anticipate chord progressions and melodic patterns. Either way, it amounts to a great way to reach children that can be hard to teach, and a tool parents and teachers should both utilize whenever possible.

original article and more info here.

Music and Alzheimers

Alzheimer’s is a disease that causes the decline of intellectual functioning.  Symptoms include a loss of ability to think, reason, concentrate, and recall information.  During later stages of the disease adults will need supervision and be highly dependent on others for  activities essential for daily living.

I have worked for many years with young children and I know the impact that music has on the brain and fostering intellectual growth in young children.  Music has the power to activate parts of the brain that link to speech, memory, and physical activity.  It can lift the mood and bring about calm.  In the year 2007, I had the privelege to begin sharing musical activities with a group of adults who have Alzheimers.   I am not a trained music therapist, but I love to share musical experiences with everyone that I come in contact with.  When I was invited to share at an Alzheimers Daycare facility I began a journey of personal musical growth that I had not previously explored.  As I seek out activities that I would like to be successful, I have made several observations.  From time to time I will share these observations and discoveries and hope that  I am able to connect with others who are on a similar journey.

Kindermusik Demo Days

Demo Days August 8-15, 2008

Imagine whirling, creating, storytelling, singing, and dancing.  Nowhere else is learning this much fun!  And no other experience offers more ways for children to grow! 

 This unique opportunity allows you and your child to experience the most respected programs in early childhood music education first-hand. Together you’ll share the wonder and magic of learning through music. 

We will share activities from our Fall Semester programs in our classes for ages newborn to 3 years.  

 Come join us for 30 minutes of fun, laughter, and special bonding time created just for you and your child!  Share the magic of Kindermusik with your child and experience it for yourself. 

Not sure where we’re located?   Classes are held at the Collierville Community Center located at 440 W. Powell Road and at Grace Crossing church located at 10576 Collierville Road. 

Dates for Demo are August 8-15, 2008.  

To register to attend click here:
Pre-school Demo:
Toddler Demo:
Baby Demo:

Does your unborn child hear music?

Certainly!  Your child can begin hearing music about the time they are 20 gestational weeks old.

I began teaching Kindermusik when I was pregnant with my daughter.  After labor and delivery, we popped in the Kindermusik CD, and played the music that was heard over and over again in our household with my toddler son.  My daughter, who was nursing for the first time, stopped nursing and turned her head towards the music.  We immediately turned the music off and she resumed nursing.  All of the commotion in the room created by the medical staff did not cause a reaction, but the familiar tunes did!

I came across an interesting article today.  If you are pregnant you might be interested in reading it.
Womb Music