Music and Brain Development

Plato has said, “Music is a more potent instrument than any other, for education”. Children learn the easiest and most effectively from the ages of 0-3 years. Children, or even babies, should be introduced to all sorts of music. They can learn pulse, rhythm, pitch, dynamics etc. by exposing them to lots of singing, listening, and playing musical games with them. This will set the foundation. As they grow and develop physically, they can take on playing instruments, and reading music much more accurately and proficiently. It is widely accepted that children are able to learn multiple languages in the early years without much effort. Music is a language all it’s own.

Music is a whole brain activity, and uses multiple areas of both the right and left hemispheres of the brain. There are many benefits to learning music early on. Some of these include:

*Higher cognitive functions such as, thinking, reasoning, and remembering.

*Improved ability of time and space relationships.

*Problem solving abilities.

*Enhances coordination, concentration and memory.

*Trains the brain in aesthetic literacy.

*Perceptual, imaginative and visual abilities.

Music and It’s Healing Benefits

Choosing the Right Music

Music is powerful because it can influence peoples lives. Both for good or for evil. It is known as the universal language of mankind, and also as the language of the gods and devils. Both are using music to promote their work, and build up their kingdoms.

We have already talked about it’s ability to heal, but it can also do the opposite. Studies show that certain music and/or rhythms can also influence and weaken our hearts, glands, and muscles etc. Any force that strong is a force to be reckoned with.

There is something in certain types of music that appeals to the baser emotions of man; Those that come with the flesh. These types of music are in no way, shape or form, good for us. We are eternal spirits, first; spirits that lived and knew God. It is so important that we choose music that is encouraging, uplifting, and reverent, that will promote a spirit of joy, peace, beauty, and love. One of my favorite quotes says, “Music reaches it’s highest potential when we use it to praise God.”