Music is one of humanity's oldest and most universal languages. Before children speak their first words, they respond to rhythm and melody. This innate musicality is a gift we can nurture from the earliest days of life, building skills that extend far beyond music itself. Research consistently shows that musical training strengthens memory, attention, language processing, and mathematical thinking. But beyond the cognitive benefits, music brings joy, provides emotional outlets, and creates connections between people that transcend words.
The Science of Music and Development
The research on music and brain development is compelling. Studies using brain imaging have shown that musicians have more developed connections between the hemispheres of their brains, enhanced auditory processing, and stronger executive function. Importantly, many of these benefits appear even with informal musical engagement—you don't need conservatory training to reap the developmental rewards of music.
Music engages the brain comprehensively. Rhythm involves mathematical processing and motor control. Melody requires memory and pattern recognition. Lyrics develop language skills. Playing an instrument demands coordination, reading, listening, and emotional expression simultaneously. Few other activities provide such integrated brain stimulation.
- Language: Musical training strengthens phonological awareness, the foundation of reading
- Memory: Learning songs builds working memory and recall abilities
- Mathematics: Rhythm and patterns connect directly to mathematical concepts
- Social skills: Making music together builds cooperation and empathy
- Emotional regulation: Music provides healthy outlets for emotional expression
Infants and Toddlers: Birth to Age 3
Musical development begins before birth—research shows that newborns recognise music they heard in the womb. From the earliest days, babies respond to singing, are soothed by lullabies, and move their bodies in response to rhythm.
What to Do
Sing to your baby. It doesn't matter if you think you can't sing—your baby doesn't know and doesn't care. The sound of your voice, the rhythms of language, and the emotional connection created through singing are what matters. Lullabies, nursery rhymes, and made-up songs about daily activities all provide musical stimulation.
Play a variety of music. Expose your child to different genres, tempos, and cultural styles. Watch how they respond to different types of music—you might be surprised by their preferences.
Provide simple instruments. By around 12 months, babies enjoy shaking rattles and maracas, banging on drums, and exploring sound-making objects. These activities develop rhythm sense and motor control while being tremendous fun.
- 0-12 months: Rattles, soft bells, and sound-making toys
- 1-2 years: Simple drums, maracas, tambourines
- 2-3 years: Xylophones, simple recorders, keyboards with large keys
Preschoolers: Ages 3-5
This is a period of rapid musical development. Children can now sing recognisable melodies, maintain simple rhythms, and begin to distinguish between different pitches and instruments. Their motor control allows for more sophisticated instrument play, and they can follow simple musical games and activities.
What to Do
Continue singing together, but now add more complexity. Action songs that combine music with movement are particularly valuable. "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" and similar songs develop coordination while reinforcing musical concepts.
Introduce basic musical concepts through play. Games about high and low sounds, fast and slow tempos, and loud and soft dynamics build vocabulary and awareness without formal instruction.
Consider group music classes. Programs like Kindermusik or Music Together provide structured musical experiences in social settings. The combination of peer interaction, movement, and varied activities keeps preschoolers engaged while building musical foundations.
Expand the instrument collection. Simple xylophones allow children to create melodies. Keyboards with light-up keys can guide early note-finding. Quality percussion instruments—real, not toy-like—produce satisfying sounds that encourage continued play.
Early Primary: Ages 5-8
This is often when children begin formal music instruction, and for good reason. Their motor control, attention span, and cognitive development have reached levels that support structured learning. However, formal instruction isn't required—children can continue developing musically through informal engagement as well.
Choosing a First Instrument
If your child is ready and interested in learning an instrument, choosing the right one matters. Consider these factors:
Physical development: Small hands may struggle with guitar or violin. Recorder, keyboard, and ukulele are more accessible for younger children.
Interest: A child's enthusiasm for a particular instrument is a powerful predictor of perseverance. If they're captivated by drums, forcing them to learn piano rarely works well.
Practicalities: Consider noise levels, space requirements, and cost. A family in an apartment might struggle with a drum kit; an expensive instrument isn't wise if commitment is uncertain.
Keyboard/Piano: Excellent for learning music fundamentals. The visual layout of keys makes understanding pitch relationships intuitive. No breath control needed, so children can focus on notes and rhythm.
Ukulele: Small, affordable, and relatively quick to produce pleasing sounds. Only four strings makes it manageable for small hands.
Recorder: Inexpensive and portable. Teaches breath control and finger coordination. A traditional starting instrument for good reasons.
Upper Primary and Beyond: Ages 8+
By this age, children who have had musical exposure are ready for more sophisticated engagement. They can learn to read music, understand music theory, and tackle more challenging instruments. This is also when some children lose interest in music—often because instruction has become tedious or disconnected from music they actually enjoy.
Maintaining Engagement
Connect to their interests. A child who loves pop music won't stay engaged playing only classical pieces. Find a teacher who incorporates music the child enjoys alongside technical development.
Encourage composition and improvisation. Making their own music keeps children creatively engaged in ways that pure reproduction cannot match.
Consider ensemble opportunities. Playing with others—whether in school bands, community groups, or informal jam sessions—adds social motivation and teaches skills solo practice cannot develop.
Respect their choices. If a child wants to switch instruments or take a break, listen to their reasoning. Forced music practice rarely produces lasting musicians. Sometimes a pause leads to renewed interest later.
Creating a Musical Home Environment
Regardless of formal instruction, the home environment shapes musical development. Here's how to create a music-rich space:
Play music regularly. Not as constant background noise, but as a focused activity. Listen together, talk about what you hear, and share your own musical memories and preferences.
Keep instruments accessible. A keyboard in the corner, a ukulele on a stand, a basket of percussion instruments—when music-making tools are visible and available, spontaneous play happens.
Attend live performances. Whether it's professional concerts or school productions, live music has an impact that recordings cannot replicate. Children who see musicians performing often find inspiration that sparks their own musical journeys.
Model musical engagement. Children learn from what we do, not just what we say. If you play an instrument (however imperfectly), let your children see and hear you. If you don't play, sing along to the radio, tap out rhythms, and show that music is a natural part of life.
The goal isn't to produce professional musicians—though some children will pursue that path. The goal is to give all children access to music's gifts: cognitive benefits, emotional outlets, creative expression, and the joy that comes from engaging with humanity's universal language.