Singin’ in the Brain: Music and the Developing Child

Catalog description

In what sense are we “born musical?” This course explores the unfolding and growth of musical abilities, starting in utero, and progressing from infancy through toddlerhood and childhood. We study the central and multifaceted roles that music plays at each developmental stage, as well as the complex relationship between “nature and nurture.” We consider the neuroscientific underpinnings of musical development and responses to music. A key musical milestone in early childhood is audiation, the ability to hear sounds and rhythms in our head, which allows for singing in tune and holding a beat. Music can enhance learning and mental health, and we examine claims that music can boost intelligence, language development, and other cognitive skills. Finally, we consider how parents, caregivers and schools can incorporate music into their children’s lives to facilitate bonding, healthy attachments, and social-emotional learning.