Audiation

Music education is a vital part of a child's life. Research shows that or abilities to sing in tune, move to a steady beat, and yes, hear music in our heads, are all formed by the time we are 8 or 9 years old. That doesn't mean you can't learn to sing or dance or play the piano after the third grade, but the learning windows for musical aptitudes do begin to close.

Do you ever hear a song in your head over and over again? Can you imagine not being able to hear music this way? Audiation, the ability to hear music when no musical sound is present, is an acquired skill. Similar to thinking thoughts without talking aloud, when you audiate, you internalize and 'think' music. To practice audiation with your children, leave off the last word of a favorite song. Stop completely. Observe and listen to your child. What is the reaction? When you play this game with familiar songs, you are engaging your child's ability to think and 'speak' with you musically. This is also a great way to increase their memory recall skills.

Repetition is a critical part of your child's growth and development between the ages of birth and seven years old. Repetition aids in strengthening the neural pathways in the brain. So when your child has a favorite book or a favorite song and says "Play it again, read it again, let's dance again!" Do it and have a wonderful time!