Music and Brain Development in Children: Insights from Research

In November, we kick off an exciting "Month of Art and Music" at Orange Seeds Montessori. This special month is dedicated to exploring the creative and expressive sides of learning, where children dive into hands-on art projects and immersive musical activities.

Music and Art is a vital part of the Montessori experience, enriching children’s learning and development in significant ways. In a Montessori classroom, music is more than just a subject; it’s woven into the curriculum to support language development, cultural appreciation, and emotional expression.

Research shows that music plays a powerful role in brain development for young children, enhancing their cognitive and emotional growth. Integrating music into Montessori education taps into these benefits, creating a well-rounded learning environment. Here’s how music impacts brain development:

1. Enhances Cognitive Skills

Music training has been shown to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills in children. Musical activities stimulate different areas of the brain, including those responsible for language and reasoning. For example, playing an instrument engages both sides of the brain, strengthening complex neural connections.

Dr. Frances Rauscher and Dr. Gordon Shaw’s 1993 study at the University of California, Irvine, revealed that music lessons boost children's ability to think through problems. Children who took music classes performed better on tasks like solving puzzles or arranging blocks than those without music training. This research showed that music helps build strong thinking and problem-solving skills, making it an exciting part of learning.

2. Boosts Language and Literacy

Children who engage in music, especially through singing and rhythmic activities, tend to develop stronger language and literacy skills. Music helps them recognize sound patterns and phonemes, essential for learning language. This skill supports early reading and writing as children become better at decoding and forming words.

In 2011, Sylvain Moreno and his team at the Rotman Research Institute in Toronto found that music training gave children a significant boost in their language skills. Activities like singing songs and clapping to rhythms activated brain areas related to language. For example, kids who sang and played simple musical games became better at recognizing word patterns, making language learning easier and more enjoyable.

3. Supports Emotional Regulation and Social Skills

Musical activities help children understand and express their emotions better. Creating or listening to music can release endorphins, promoting happiness and reducing stress. Group music activities also build social skills, teaching children how to take turns, listen, and work together.

Dr. Laurel Trainor, director of the McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind, found in her 2012 study that toddlers who participated in musical play developed stronger social bonds and better emotional management than those who engaged in non-musical play.

4. Improves Spatial-Temporal Skills

Music education, especially reading music or playing an instrument, enhances spatial-temporal reasoning, which is crucial for problem-solving in math and science. Studies suggest that children exposed to music education perform better in tasks requiring spatial skills, like geometry.

The "Mozart effect," part of Dr. Rauscher and Dr. Shaw’s 1993 study, highlighted how music training improves spatial-temporal reasoning. This type of reasoning supports complex problem-solving, emphasizing how valuable music is for academic growth.

5. Accelerates Brain Plasticity

Early exposure to music enhances brain plasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and change with experience. Children who participate in music training have greater neural flexibility and are better at learning new information.

A 2014 study by Dr. Nina Kraus at Northwestern University showed that children who played instruments had enhanced neural processing and adaptability. Her research demonstrated that these brain changes from music training also improved other learning abilities.

6. Strengthens Motor Skills and Coordination

Playing instruments and engaging in musical activities help develop fine and gross motor skills. The brain’s motor control regions are activated when children play instruments, clap, or dance, improving physical coordination and the brain’s ability to synchronize movement and thought.

Dr. Assal Habibi’s 2016 study at the University of Southern California’s Brain and Creativity Institute found that music training accelerated motor skill development in young children, supporting cognitive tasks related to planning and execution.

The Approach at Orange Seeds Montessori Child Care

At Orange Seeds Montessori, we believe that the benefits of music are far-reaching and align seamlessly with Montessori principles. By incorporating music into our daily routines and educational practices, we create an environment where children can develop holistically. Here’s how we integrate these research findings into our Montessori approach:

1. Providing Access to Musical Instruments

We ensure that our classrooms are equipped with simple musical instruments like bells, maracas, tambourines, and xylophones. These instruments allow children to explore sound and rhythm at their own pace. Playing instruments not only supports the development of fine motor skills but also helps children become familiar with patterns and sequences, which are vital for cognitive growth.

Our toddlers and preschoolers are encouraged to participate in daily music exploration sessions where they can freely choose an instrument to play. This unstructured time nurtures their creativity and curiosity while supporting hand-eye coordination and motor skill development.

2. Incorporating Singing and Rhymes

We use songs and rhymes to aid in language acquisition and enhance phonetic awareness. Singing introduces children to new vocabulary and helps them recognize the rhythm and melody of language, which is crucial for developing reading and speaking skills.

Each morning, we start with a circle time where children sing familiar songs and learn new ones related to seasonal themes or curriculum topics. This activity sets a positive tone for the day and helps children practice listening, memory, and pronunciation skills in a fun and engaging way.

3. Using Music and Movement Activities

Music and movement go hand in hand, promoting physical activity that supports gross motor development, coordination, and balance. Dancing, clapping, or moving to the beat of a song engages both the body and brain, encouraging children to develop a sense of rhythm and spatial awareness.

We have dedicated movement sessions where toddlers and preschoolers dance to culturally diverse songs or move along with rhythm sticks and scarves. These activities also promote social interaction as children learn to move in sync with others, developing teamwork and cooperative skills.

4. Listening Sessions with Classical and Cultural Music

Listening to music helps develop auditory discrimination and attention skills. We incorporate listening sessions that feature classical music, which research has shown can improve spatial-temporal reasoning, as well as cultural music that broadens children’s understanding and appreciation of global traditions.

We include a weekly “Music Monkey” session where children listen to different types of music from around the world. This activity not only stimulates brain development but also fosters cultural awareness and respect for diversity.

5. Music Integrated with Academic Learning

Music is naturally integrated into academic lessons, reinforcing learning in subjects like math and science. For example, counting songs help toddlers understand numbers and sequences, while songs about nature teach them about plants, animals, and the environment.

In our math curriculum, we use songs and rhythmic clapping to introduce basic counting and skip-counting. This interactive method makes learning math fun and memorable. Similarly, we use musical storytelling to teach science concepts, such as the water cycle or seasons, helping preschoolers retain information more effectively.

6. Building Emotional Regulation and Social Skills Through Music

Participating in group musical activities teaches children to take turns, listen, and work together, fostering a sense of community. Music also provides a safe space for children to express their emotions and develop empathy.

Our music circle time includes group singing and instrument play, where each child has a chance to contribute. This teaches patience, sharing, and active listening. Additionally, we use calming music during transition times or rest periods to help children manage emotions and move smoothly between activities.

Why Music Matters at Orange Seeds Montessori

At Orange Seeds Montessori, we see music as a powerful tool for supporting brain development, creativity, and a sense of joy in learning. We ensure that music is not just an add-on but an integral part of the day-to-day experience. Our aim is to create a nurturing space where children can develop their cognitive, social, and emotional skills, building a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.

By thoughtfully incorporating music throughout our curriculum and daily activities, we create an environment that respects each child’s pace and learning style. This commitment helps children develop a love of music and the confidence to explore their world through sound, movement, and rhythm, preparing them for success both inside and outside the classroom.