It is interesting to note that our physicians today are rediscovering the healing power of music, albeit without the driving away of spirits. Regardless if we are driving away spirits or in modern day terms, releasing anxiety and depression, we have come to realize that music releases the neurotransmitter serotonin, one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the brain which plays an important role in the regulation of mood and a key role in the treatment of depression. Another activity which increases serotonin thereby releasing endorphins, a hormone responsible for increasing a feeling of pleasure is exercise; so if you are depressed and feeling lethargic, time to go out dancing, giving yourself a blast of both music and movement.

Maria

• If you wish to place your child in a class where they will learn one instrument such as the piano, the violin, the ukulele or the recorder, they will no doubt need to be able to sit and concentrate for a period of 15 to 20 minutes at least in order to learn the basics and technique for that instrument. This can often happen at the age of 4 or 5 years depending on the child’s interest in the instrument along with the teachers’ ability to make classes fun for the kids.

• If you have the option in your area to enroll your child in a music and movement class where they are learning basic musical concepts such as keeping the beat, tempo, dynamics and pitch recognition, they may begin much earlier, as young as 18 months as the songs and games are simple and relatively short. Even babies from birth to 18 months are welcome in the class if they have an older sibling participating. The idea in these classes is to include everyone, even the youngest who, if they are too young to hold an instrument or play the games, may simply enjoy the music for its own sake, feeling its pulse, experiencing the music’s timbre, dynamics and so on.

Music is a language like any other and if children are exposed to it from birth they will learn it the same way they learn their native tongue.  They will soak it up like the little sponges they are and it will become a great creative outlet during their adolescent and adult lives.

Maria