Common questions about your young child's music education

I would like to share with you today some of the common questions that parents might have in terms of their child's music education. The answers are from our principal Ms Flora Lim.

My child does not seem to participate in the class? Is he/she too young and not ready for music classes?

We don't really think it is a big 'problem'. As long as you can see signs of your child singing at home, dance or move to the rhythm of music, then I believe we have succeeded in providing them the right environment for neuron connections in their brain which is crucial in the musical development at the later age. 

Some parents told me that their child did not wonder about when they were in their childcare centers and they did not understand why they would behave indifferently when they are in a music class. C hildren do not behave the same in different environments. The singing and the music elicits certain physical response to it, they might like to walk around when they hear the music. Every child develops his/her musical brain differently. With different stimulation that they get from school or home, they develop hearing, reading, physical development, perceptive skill, rhythmic sense, gross and fine motor skills at a different speed. Some children could do very well in flashcard training, some are very good in hearing, play the keyboard or excel in memory and analytical skills. There is no such thing as whether the child is 'talented' or not, it is about how much stimulation in music that they have received at home and at school.

As I have mentioned above, each child develops differently in different areas in music training. Music education is not about 'playing an instrument' only. It involves hearing, singing in pitch, score reading, rhythmic sense, memory, perceptive skill and analytical skills and last but not least, the social skills built upon interaction with other children in musical activities. We provide a multi-sensory experience in a child-centered and positive learning environment. So, I wish parents wouldn't get too anxious about this part of the practice but continue to provide your child with an encouraging and conducive environment to develop their musicality. That is more productive than worrying about whether your child is going to excel in their playing of an instrument. A child will excel in playing an instrument only if he/she is ready to do it. And that happens at different ages for different child.

Sing to your children please!

Singing is the most expressive way to deliver human emotion. Researchers show babies are generally happier and calmer if mothers sing more often to them. Singing lullabies is old-fashioned but it is the most effective way of communication between babies and mothers. Beware of the keys that you are singing in. Wrong keys will damage the developmental stage of the hearing of a child. It is quite worrisome to find that music that is done in early childhood courses in kindergartens or music and movement courses in enrichment centres are usually sung too low (those are more suitable for adults) or even worse sung out of tune. Singing may be the simplest way to develop the musicality of a child, but the teacher must make sure that they pitch their voices correctly. You definitely should sing the songs to your children more often. It is a form of relaxation as well. When your child is in a relaxing mood, they will eventually learn better.

Lastly, I'd like to share some thoughts with all of you:

Child development depends on the interplay between nature and nurture

Old assumption: the genes we are born with determine how our brains develop
New assumption: the impact of music education may be dramatic and specific, affecting general development and even the circuitry of the brain

Early care and nurture have a decisive and long-lasting impact on how people develop, their ability to learn and their capacity to regulate their emotions.

The human brain has a remarkable capacity to change, but timing is crucial; Early childhood is a significant window of opportunity for music learning

Due to the brain's plasticity, negative experiences or lack of appropriate stimulation are more likely to have sustained and serious effects; Good early music experience are important

Hope the above answers will throw some light to any doubts that you might have. Have a nice week ahead!