Music and Children
Scientists and educators agree that music, as the often under-appreciated “seventh science”, strengthens many essential areas of a child's development, such as physical coordination, timing, memory, visual, aural, analytical and language skills. In fact, as psychologist Frances Rauscher of University of California–Irvine notes, music appears to strengthen the links between brain neurons and build new spatial reasoning, improving a child’s spatial intelligence. Studies also show that music dramatically improves the type of intelligence needed for high–level math and science.
Dr. Frank Wilson, Assistant Neurology Professor at the University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco, reports that his research has shown that music connects and develops the motor systems of the brain in a way that cannot be done by any other activity. Recent data from UCLA brain scan research studies show that music more fully involves brain functions (both left and right hemispheres) than any other activities studied. Dr. Wilson feels these findings are so significant that it will lead to a universal understanding in the next century that music is an absolute necessity for the total development of the brain and the individual. This means that the business of making high quality music training accessible and fun for children is one that CCM takes seriously.
As a direct result of Children's Chorus of Maryland training, the following skill areas are expected to improve:
- Memory and Concentration
- Coordination
- Reading and Writing
- Science and Mathematics
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Motor control and speed
- Language skills
- Self–confidence
- Self–expression
- Creative thinking
- Teamwork
- Self–discipline
- Interpersonal relations
- Communications
- Independent Learning
