People embrace music whole heartedly throughout the world by listening, watching, dancing, singing or even creating it. Yes, that’s so true. What about the baby brain? Scientists have discovered that music has a positive effect on early brain development and its relationship to learning.

Mayann Harman, author of Building Brain with Music stated, “You may think you are bouncing and singing to a baby BUT that baby is internalizing rhythm which will one day lead to reading proficiency and understanding of mathematics.” The baby brain is not only listening to the sounds around them, it is trying to process the auditory information, make connections and store it for future use.

Scientist are diving deeper into the role of music, its function and location in the brain. Dr. Christina Zhao, a scientist at I-LABS, University of Washington, in Seattle stated in 2016, “Our study is the first in young babies to suggest that experiencing a rhythmic pattern in music can also improve the ability to detect and make predictions about rhythmic patterns in speech. This means that, engaging musical experiences can have a more global effect on cognitive skills.” I-LABS Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences center is leading the way with their discoveries on human learning., targeting early learning and brain development with brain imaging.

Music is a part of every culture, it’s a form of communication that touches people’s thoughts, moods and emotions. Music is passed down from one generation to the next, offering a way to understand and appreciate the past. Memories become aroused upon hearing songs associated with one’s youth or special events. Music influences one’s whole life. But wait there’s MORE……

What scientists are sharing is exciting! The baby brain begins its musical journey—early-- in the womb. Music time activities help a baby to build, strengthen and connect pathways in their brain. Music during a child’s first seven years is not only linked to language development but engages the brain in many areas.

Music is valuable for one’s health, too! “Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.” as reported by John Hopkins Medicine & Health. Yay for Music!