Berlin - Babies can understand music quite well before they even learn to speak but research has shown that it is not enough for parents simply to play a CD, they should also sing along and dance to the music.
'Every child has innate musical potential,' explains music and concert teacher Stephanie Riemenschneider from the Dusseldorf Concert Hall.
The sooner and more extensive the exposure to music the better, she believes, because babies and infants have yet to develop a musical preference. They will happily listen to virtually any sound and are fascinated by different tones, volumes and melodies.
'They are interested in everything so, where possible, should be exposed to as wide a variety of music as possible. It doesn't matter if it's rock, folk or classical music,' says Riemenschneider.
Singing along to the music is recommended because learning music is similar to learning a language, and benefits from a stimulating and living environment.
If a favourite tune is playing on the radio, Riemenschneider suggests singing along while rocking your baby in your arms. Alternatively, you can stroke the infant and quietly hum nursery rhymes.
'Children are musical by nature. The sounds they make have a basic musical tone,' says Hendrike Rossel from the German Association of Music Schools. 'The music and sounds should be naturally experienced in everyday life.'
This is important because then it won't matter if a parent doesn't hit the right note. What's important is enjoyment of the music.
Parents nervous about singing or playing music need look no further than music schools, which often organize group sessions for children over one-year-old. The schools offer tips about music and rhythm that can be integrated into the child's playtime.
Music lessons are generally available once the child reaches the age of four. 'At that point, the children are unaccompanied and begin with a basic instrument such as a bell or drum,' says Rossel.
Children receive an elementary education in making music and understanding rhythm. 'This is done through play, for example by imitating animal movements such as crawling, slithering or jumping,' explains music teacher Sabine Hirler.
If a child learns to understand and control the body's rhythm, then it is easier at a later stage to play an instrument. Also, these courses improve speech and physical awareness because language involves a certain basic rhythm, adds Hirler.
Experts recommend that parents encourage their children to start learning how to play instruments such as the flute, guitar or piano from primary school age onwards.
'If a child can play an instrument well when they enter puberty, then they can use it and music as a means to express themselves,' says Rossel.
By Vivien Leue
theSun
26 July 2011
