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6 Reasons to Introduce Classical Music to Young Children

Aug 20, 2021

You may have heard that it’s important to play Mozart for your baby, or even better -- Bach! The popular studies in the 80s that showed this to be the case have since been mostly debunked! (See linked articles at the bottom.)  We are not here to claim that classical music is best for kids, but we are passionate about sharing classical music with kids, and we have some reasons for that:

  1. Encourages imagination
  2. Encourages super-power listening skills
  3. Lays the groundwork for future music study, learning an instrument
  4. It has stood the test of time, and is considered one of the “finer things in life”
  5. To keep classical music and live classical concerts alive!
  6. We like it! (And you, presumably, like it too)

Do any of these reasons resonate with you yet? Read on, and we’ll explain each of them in greater depth.

  1. Classical music encourages kids to use their imagination:
    1. Variety: When we talk about “classical” music, we are actually referring to music composed throughout the past 4 centuries or so (and can even go further back to include Medieval and Renaissance music). This encompasses a huge variety of music! As you can imagine, most of the “classical” music composed in 1700 sounds very different from the music composed in 1900. And music composed by one composer in 1875 sounds different from music composed by another composer in a different part of the world in 1875. This endless variety in sound can trigger endless imaginative possibilities for young listeners (while keeping their parents interested too)!
    2. Lack of words: Music without words creates a different listening experience. Young children, who are rapidly developing verbal and comprehension skills, are bombarded with language all day long and constantly analyzing, interpreting, and integrating what they hear. This is a great thing and it is truly incredible to witness a young child learning how to communicate with spoken language. Many of the songs and activities we do in Clap for Classics! promote language development in a big way. The classical activities we do, however, allow children an opportunity to listen to music without the distraction of language. They can focus on various musical elements such as pitch, rhythm, tempo, and dynamics; they can tune into the emotional input they are getting from the music, and they can let their imaginations run wild. 
  2. Classical music has a unique richness and complexity, which can help children develop super-power listening skills. The instruments in the orchestra with their various sonorities and rhythmic capabilities can be layered and combined in endless ways to create huge varieties in texture and sound. As kids learn to listen for particular instruments, changing tempos and dynamics, and instrumental imagery, their listening skills become more and more focused, as they hear and appreciate the complexities of classical music. At Clap for Classics! we love encouraging these listening skills through playful and engaging classical music activities.
  3. Early exposure to classical music lays the groundwork for learning an instrument. As kids become familiar with classical music, identifying instruments, discerning the changes in pitch, tempo, meter and dynamics, and using their imagination while listening, they are more likely to excitedly choose to play an instrument when they are older. Many studies have shown that kids who play an instrument do better in school. The act of playing an instrument stimulates the brain in a unique way that helps develop many skills including memory and abstract reasoning.
  1. Why introduce classical music to your child? Why not?! Classical music has stood the test of time, and is enjoyed by many as one of the “finer things” in life. Isn’t it amazing that we still listen to and revere music that was created hundreds of years ago? Why didn’t it dwindle away over time? The classical music that is still performed today is here for a reason - it is brilliant and masterful! Why not introduce our children to the “finer things” in life right now? With the help of Clap for Classics!, our children can experience something refined, without having to set foot in a concert hall or fine museum or fancy restaurant. (And someday, they will appreciate that concert hall experience even more, thanks to their early childhood classical music experiences at home!)
  2. Some say that classical music, and live concerts are a dying art. As classical musicians ourselves who perform and teach, we are invested in keeping this beautiful and meaningful art form alive. Part of the mission of Clap for Classics! is to educate young children (and their families) about classical music, and to help fill future concert halls with both the musicians and the essential appreciative audience members.
  3. Finally -- why do we think you should introduce classical music to your kiddo? Well, because we like it! And if you’ve made it this far, chances are good that you already like it a little bit, too. We, Elizabeth and Kathryn, were raised in a home filled with music and became classical musicians ourselves. Filling our lives with classical music as instrumentalists, singers, and listeners has brought tremendous joy and satisfaction to us, and we want to pass that on to the next generation. European Classical music is not better than music from say, Africa or Japan. It’s not better than rock music or bluegrass or jazz. We love exploring music from all cultures and we hope that you feel excited to share the music that you love with your children, especially as it connects to your own culture and heritage. Clap for Classics! is our way of sharing what we know and love, and helping other music-loving parents to do the same. Isn’t there something beautiful about learning from a teacher who is knowledgeable, passionate, and skilled at sharing their knowledge and passion with others? This is what we aim to be and do, and we’re so glad you’re here for the ride.

Want more classical music in your family’s life? We include exciting classical music activities in our membership, as well as our “Four Seasons” curriculum. Here are a few samples:

And, be sure to have a listen to our “Ultimate Clap for Classics! Kids’ Playlist” (on Spotify) with all of the classical music we’ve ever included in our online program. Nothing like some quick access to these great, inspiring pieces!

 

Mozart Effect (debunked) articles:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-babies-ex/

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20130107-can-mozart-boost-brainpower

https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128104580

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