Music is undoubtedly an integral factor in children’s growth and development. Here’s a list of the benefits of music on children at different developmental stages.

1. MUSIC
in Child Development

2. Is an integral factor in children’s growth and
development.
Positively affects children's lives emotionally,
intellectually, and socially.
Develops children's motor, language, and literacy
skills.
Helps the body and the mind work together.
Music:

3. Have the ability to recognize the melody of a song
way before they can begin to understand the actual
words of the song.
They try to mimic sounds and start kind of grooving
to the music as soon as they are physically able.
They enjoy quiet background music at bedtime
because it tends to soothe them.
While at other times, loud background music may
overstimulate them.
Infants:

4. Sing simple, short songs to them in a high, soft voice.
The songs should be about one or two lines and the
lyrics should be about the activities they are incurring
in, ie. bathing, dressing, eating, cleaning up, etc.
Doing so will promote infants to begin to create
references to routine.
Infants:

5. Music encourages them to use words and
memorization.
The key to achieve memorization is repetition of
songs.
Another great thing about music in toddlers is the fact
that it makes them want to move. Take advantage of
their high energy levels and encourage them explore
rhythmic movement through clapping, tapping objects,
and dancing.
Toddlers:

6. Engage toddlers with music by making them laugh.
Parents are encouraged to sing familiar songs to
toddlers, but making them a bit silly.
For example, singing “Mary had a little lamb” but
swapping the word “lamb” for “bird.”
Because the tune will be familiar toddlers will notice
the change and try to reproduce the new word.
Toddlers:

7. They enjoy singing just for the sake of singing.
They’re eager to be heard, hence music provides them
with an opportunity to let their voices roar.
Rhythm starts to take a more concrete shape for
preschoolers.
They are more intrigued by music that has repetitive
melody and a definite beat.
Preschoolers:

8. Words also begin to have a definitive meaning for
them, hence they prefer songs that employ
commands or activities.
For example, if the song asks them to clap once, or
clap twice - this kind of exercise will allow the
preschoolers to develop their language skills.
Preschoolers:

9. Music can help school-age children learn about
counting, spelling, remembering sequences of events,
and other school subjects.
At this stage children begin to express what kind of
music they like.
Often times, this is right around when they may
express an interest in taking music lessons.
School-Age Children:

10. Music takes a very social meaning for teenagers.
Usually it becomes a tool for children to form
friendships and define themselves.
For some, the need for self-expression will result in a
strong interest to play music, for example being in a
band.
Teenagers: