In our modern, digital world, it’s more important than ever to share the wonders of classical music with children.
“The nuance and musicality of real people playing real instruments will always be superior to electronically generated sounds,” says Kristi Kilgore, an elementary school music teacher and horn player in the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra. “Recorded music is great, but even better if they can watch music performed live and see the emotions and movement of the musicians.”
There’s no doubt that listening to classical music calms us; “Baby Mozart” CDs were all the rage for a reason. But research shows that playing a musical instrument does amazing things to our brains — and especially in young children.
“Music is language, math, reading, writing, physics — so much,” says BSO Executive Director Gail Ridenour. “Playing a musical instrument teaches children how to relate to and communicate with others. It stimulates the writing and reading center of your brain and activates fine and gross motor skills.”
Research backs up all of this and much more. Listening to and playing classical music helps in language development, boosts memory, enhances creativity, improves listening skills, productivity and brain function, builds self-confidence and reduces stress.
Read the entire feature at the Seattle Times here: https://www.seattletimes.com/sponsored/unlock-kids-creativity-confidence-and-learning-with-classical-music/
