GROWTH – it’s the work of childhood and if you think about it, it’s really the work of life. As parents, we are constantly growing and stretching and learning. We think we have this parenting thing down and then the baby gives up a nap, the toddler decides that biting is acceptable behavior, a preschooer develops separation anxiety, and a school-age child has friend issues. Ack! If we have the attitude that learning is a life-long endeavor then those moments become catalysts for our own growth rather than time for a good cry. Well, maybe we’ll have an itty bitty cry BEFORE we grow.
We are all about FAMILY growth at Kindermusik and we have oodles of resources to help you continue that growth at home. Our Kindermusik Online Parent Guides are chock full of parenting tips, child development information, and delightful activities to help both you and your child GROW through these priceless early years. We share them because we are all for anything that helps make good parenting even better – easier is nice, too.
We’ve always known that music is a great tool for GROWTH and research continues to prove that it is so.
“Music reaches parts of the brain that other things can’t. It’s a strong cognitive stimulus that grows the brain in a way that nothing else does, and the evidence that musical training enhances things like working memory and language is very robust.” Read more about that here
While those of us “in the know” – musicians of all types – have always understood that music has positive health benefits for us, it’s not common knowledge. Dr. Boyle shares research with us that explains how the magical art of music has a scientific effect on our minds and bodies.
“A large scale review covering over 400 scientific papers on the topic of the neurochemistry of music has found that music may be better than prescription medications for some issues and has broad benefits for the body and mind.”
Jonathan Weiss, Medical Daily
First, let’s remember that there is an entire field that uses music to impact well being – Music Therapy. Though it’s been around for over 70 years in the United States, many people are surprised to learn that it exists. Music Therapists use a variety of musical methods with clients to benefit physical and mental health. Beyond this formal therapeutic use of music (which, no surprise to Kindermusik Educators, often pairs music with movement), music can significantly influence health in our everyday lives – particularly boosting our immune system!
Holiday…or Cold and Flu Season?
For many of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the winter months mean colder temperatures and a greater increase in the occurrence of everyday colds. The stronger the immune system, the better we are at fending off the sniffles and sneezes of the season. Couple weather shifts with an increase in stress levels (for a variety of reasons), many of us will be susceptible to annoying coughs and stuffy noses. So, what can music do for us?
According to Dr. Daniel J. Levitin, a neuroscientist (and in interest of full disclosure – a musician), science is able to explain how music shapes actual neurochemical events in the body that may lead to a stronger immune system. It’s fairly common knowledge that stress impacts our ability to fight off germs. Music reduces negative stress in the body, thereby increasing our own body’s natural defenses. This magical art actually lowers the presence of stress hormones.
Cortisal Down…Immunoglobin A Up
Music is intangible – you can’t touch it. It floats through the air and arrives at our ears…and simply changes us. As far as the immune system is concerned, and according to the work of neurocognition expert, Dr. Ronny Enk, music specifically lowers levels of cortisal, the stress hormone, and increases levels of immunoglobin A, an antibody that supports positive immune function. Dr. Enk and his team played joyful, dance music for one group, and random tones for his control group. The folks that listened to music experienced the benefit described above. This is a real, physical response to music. This is measurable…quantifiable.
More Music = More Health
So…what does this mean for us? During the cold and flu season, there are so many opportunities to experience music. Church, concerts, even listening to music around the house – think of these contacts with music as “aural vitamins” for your immune system. Reducing our levels of stress by taking part in music making is even more beneficial. Singing can regulate your heart rate and breathing. Making music with others increases social bonding, which is one of the things we need as human beings.
These benefits are for all of us – young and old alike. In fact, the benefits are incredibly important for those at the extreme ends of life’s journey – infants and our seniors. Sing to your kids! Invite the grandparents to a concert – or visit them and make music together. It will have an impact on the quality of their well being.
Re-posted from Minds On Music / Kindermusik International
We are celebrating giving at Song of the Heart Studios this week. Our Kindermusik kids (and a few of their grown-ups!) are wearing their pjs to class and bringing a new pair to share with the families who are lucky enough to choose their Christmas gifts at Candy Cane Corner.
This is a comfy, cozy tradition that we celebrate every year the week before Thansgiving. We believe that as we celebrate our season of plenty that it’s a good time to share, too! There’s nothing sweeter than seeing a little child skipping down the hall to Kindermusik class in their snuggly pjs while carrying a new pair to give away to a child in need.
We are overwhelmed to tears at the piles and piles of jammies that have arrived so far this week! Because of the generosity and goodness of our Song of the Heart Studios families there will be many Salt Lake City children who will go to sleep on a cold winter’s night snuggled up in a warm pair of jammies and wrapped in love.
Desmond Tutu says it best. “Do your little bit of good where you are. It’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” What a joy to be part of a community that believes and acts on those words. Happy Thanksgiving!
Anything that promotes connection among families is right up our alley. Connection creates cooperation (we could all use a little more of that) AND it creates closer families. Music activities do this in such a beautiful and natural way.
Whether you’re new to Song of the Heart Studios, or whether Kindermusik has been a cherished part of your family life for years, here are four ways to help your child CONNECT with their Kindermusik experience.
1. CONNECT with your delightful class music. Stream your music, blue tooth it in the car, down load it and listen, sing, and dance. You’ll find all your songs in your Parent Guide at my.kindermusik.com.
2. Name the friends you’ll see (or know) at class. One of the best things about Kindermusik is the CONNECTION you will make with loads of new friends.
3. Talk about being in class. This is a lovely way to help your child begin to CONNECT with your teacher. Talk about listening, following directions, and being kind to friends. Life skills are being developed right alongside our music skills.
4. Ask your child about his/her favorite Kindermusik activity. Talking about favorite activities helps reinforce your child’s love of music, gives you a chance to CONNECT and ingrains beautiful memories of your time together at the studio. – compiled from Minds on Music, Kindermusik International
Our Young Child Year 2 students love their dulcimers! We are CONNECTING with new friends AND a new instrument.
