Childhood development is the concern of every parent, and I am no exception. As a music teacher I am acutely aware of the advantages certain children are afforded when they are exposed to private tutoring, particularly music lessons. If are children are to, “Climb Every Mountain” as Julie Andrews sang, then we need to prepare them properly. Music lessons at an early age (as early as 2 -3 y/o) can give them cognitive and memory abilities that will give them an edge later in life.

There are several ways ways music lessons are a positive influence during childhood development. In an article on Bright Horizons, they list several of these:

“Music ignites all areas of child development: intellectual, social and emotional, motor, language, and overall literacy. It helps the body and the mind work together. Exposing children to music during early development helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words. Dancing to music helps children build motor skills while allowing them to practice self-expression. For children and adults, music helps strengthen memory skills.”

As a piano teacher, I have witnessed all of these benefits. The intuitive nature of musical intellect, the social relationship between the teacher and student, the emotional outlet and expression, practice and technique improving fine motor skills, expanded language through musical terms, and of course literacy (words and music have been partners forever). Most of my very youngest students are around the age of 3. Within 4 – 6 lessons, I’ve seen the aforementioned improvements in childhood development. Typically, it usually take 6 months before they are playing a song on their own, at age 3. So remember parents, if we are going to help them “Climb Every Mountain”, we have to start sooner than later.

About the author: Tatia Rose is the Director/Classical Piano Instructor at Nashville Music Academy.