Survey

Survey

Does music affect a child’s development, if so how? (out of 12 people)

• Yes: 7 people (58%)
• No: 1 person (8%)
• Maybe: 4 people (3%)
  

Subquestions (to be answered for “if so, how”)

1) Does music affect a child's development?
2) If yes, can you name specific genres of music (classical, rock,
etc.) that have positive or negative effects?
3) Which stage of child development do you think is most subject to
the music effect? Preborn, early childhood, elementary schoolers or
teenagers?
4) Have you or your spouse tried to use music as one way of pre-born
education of your child? Do you believe it takes effect? Have you
observed any effects?
5) Do you know Mozart effect? If yes, do you believe it is scientific?

Some Answers

Mantou: Music has to be learned from childhood, say 4-10. This is a
Precious window for music education. After that, untrained people will
lose the ability to distinguish many subtle sounds. From this
perspective, music can affect child's development
the para-effects (or side effects) of music education during the
childhood. A good music education during childhood will undoubtedly
affect many other development such as the sense of numbers, rules, and
caring for details. These are all important and will shape the child's
ways of thinking.

For different music, there are different effects on child's
development. Although we are uncertain exactly how and what effects,
we are certain that violent or loud rock roll music can affect child's
emotion and behavior. It is not a secret that those kids who listen to
violent music are more likely associated with violent behavior. But
bear in mind, it is not clear whether violent music causes violent
behavior, or vice versa. There are research studies on this issue.

As I said before, childhood is the critical stage for music
training. However, the benefit of preborn music education is not
proved. The Mozart effect is a folklore.
For teenage, we don't know. The only thing we know is that violent
music is related to violent behavior.

For me, I personally believe in the music effects. However, I don't
do preborn music training. Music may be just one type of noise for
fetus. Fetus needs a quite environment.

As many people have said, this is a large topic but a good topic. I
suggest you focus on childhood music education. You can cite your own
experience.

Uncle Wu:

1) Does music affect a child's development?
Definitely. Music is another dimension of the world, in addition to
science, literature, arts, etc. Children exposed to music learn to
interact with inner feelings in another way. Music training also
teaches children the importance of discipline and structured
creativity.

2) If yes, can you name specific genres of music (classical, rock,
etc.) that have positive or negative effects?
All music genres have positive effects. For example, classical music
embeds its beauty in its structure, harmony and melody. It teaches
relatively sophisticated appreciation. Rock music interacts with the
listeners in multiple ways and can be more expressive. It is good to
be exposed to all kinds of genres and develop one's own taste in the
process. On the other hand, there are pieces in each genres that may
cause negative effects. For example, some songs promote violence or
cynical attitudes. Children should make good use of help from their
parents and teachers in choosing music works that are suitable for
them.

3) Which stage of child development do you think is most subject to
the music effect? Preborn, early childhood, elementary schoolers or
teenagers?
Children at different ages respond differently to music. Newborns can
enjoy music with clear rhythm and pleasant melody, while a teenager is
more equipped to appreciate the sophisticated structure of Bach. To
understand the feelings expressed by Chopin, one would need more life
experience of sorrow, frustration, etc. The important point is to
select age-appropriate music for each child.

4) Have you or your spouse tried to use music as one way of pre-born
education of your child? Do you believe it takes effect? Have you
observed any effects?
I believe pleasant music helps the mother to relax and be happy. This
in turn is good for the fetus. However, I don't think there is
evidence that music can interact with the fetus directly (except for
some genres that is essentially very loud noise).

5) Do you know Mozart effect? If yes, do you believe it is scientific?
I heard about it, but have not study enough to know whether it is
scientific. On the other hand, I believe music education and training
is a valuable part of a child's education. In my experience, most
people who perform well academically also receive regular music
trainings.

Key
Underlined Name: person replying (username only)

Does music affect a child’s development, if so how? (out of 12 people)

Yes	No	Maybe
7 people 58 percent	1 person 8 percent	4 people 33 percent