Music Benefits Babies' Brains  - New Study

Babies who receive musical training smile more, communicate better and react more calmly to unfamiliar or unfavourable situations, according to new research out of Ontario's McMaster University.

The study involved one-year-olds and their parents who spent six months participating in one of two types of music-related activities.

One group played with toys while music played in the background.

The other group learned to play percussion instruments and sing lullabies, nursery rhymes and songs with actions.

The interactive group showed more sophisticated responses to music, but what surprised researchers even more was the non-musical differences between the two groups.

Babies from the interactive classes showed better early communication skills, like pointing at objects that are out of reach or waving goodbye, the study found. They also smiled more, were easier to soothe and showed less distress when things were unfamiliar or didn't go their way.

"Many past studies of musical training have focused on older children," study co-author Laurel Trainor said. "Our results suggest that the infant brain might be particularly plastic with regard to musical exposure."

The study was funded by an award from the Grammy Foundation and appeared in the journals Developmental Science and Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.

Reprinted from article in Toronto Sun at this link:  http://www.torontosun.com/2012/05/09/music-benefits-babies-brains

10 Reasons to Enroll for Kindermusik This Summer!

Join us for a Musical Adventure this summer with a Kindermusik Class that’s designed just for your child!  You will explore “In My Backyard” with your toddler, create a Drum Circle in “Drums, Drums, Drums” with your preschooler or “Splash” in the waters of summer (lake, ocean, beach).  There will be “Busy Days” full of classical music & more for your baby!  Plus a family class that invites you to “Let’s Play”.  There’s a weekly class for everyone (age 0 to 5) and unique Kathy’s Music Play-Date camps for children ages 3-6.

So – why take a Kindermusik Summer camp with Kathy’s Music??
Here are my top ten reasons!

10. New music that is not only fantastic for your child's development, but is interesting listening for the whole family.

9. A safe environment for you to play and be silly with your child without out fear of ridicule.

8. A chance to get to meet and know other families with children your child's age.

7. Books and instruments to take home and continue the play throughout the year.

6. An air-conditioned activity for the dog days of summer.

5. Weekly opportunity to focus completely on your child and remind yourself how creative and unique he or she is.

4. Egg shakers - need I say more?

3. Bubbles, parachutes and singing together - time to be a kid again.

2. Summer session is only 4 weeks long. It’s a great way to try us out.

and the #1 reason to sign up for Kindermusik this summer....

1. Kindermusik activities strengthen your child's brain and affect every area of her development.

A Good Beginning Never Ends --- why not get started now?  Enroll Now.

Kathy Morrison, Director / www.KathysMusic.com / (412) 344-0535

Offering Kindermusik, General Music Classes, and Private Lessons.