Babies begin to react to music from birth on (my babies were very active around music in utero).  The lullaby is an example of one of the first musical experiences parents give their newborns, sometimes humming or singing the words to a lullaby while rocking, feeding, changing.

Once a baby is a few months old you may notice they begin to listen to music and sounds more intently and they will turn their head toward the sound. You may also notice them actively kick and wave their hands to the music. A baby's experience with musical instruments begins once they can grasp and hold onto an object. Many times with very young babies this can be involuntary and more of a reflex. However once the baby is able to open and close their hand, grasp and use their arms and hands to bang and shake they become delighted with the noises that they make. Baby’s need adult relationships as they experience song and dance and it builds a wonderful relationship.

Between 10 and 18 months children start to show a preference to the music they enjoy, yet at the same time they can only experience the music they are exposed to so giving them the opportunity to hear different types of music is important. You will see some children begin to bounce and sway and start to use their bodies. Musical instruments at this age are lots of fun for toddlers. They love to bang, clang, ring, shake, poke and so much more. Sounds at this age usually result in dumping baskets of instruments, and exploring what they can do with the instruments, however there is a lot of learning happening. Pots, pans, wooden blocks, a drum, tambourine and shakers are favorites. Adults may hear this at "noise", but toddlers are exploring and using their listening skills to make sounds.

Between 19 months and 3 years children start to use their bodies in different ways such as turning in circles, swaying, jumping, moving their heads, swinging their arms to the rhythem or beat of the music. Sometimes they will just use one movement at a time, other times may use all body movements. At this age making music becomes exciting. You might see your child hitting the xylophone and singing twinkle twinkle little star. The more children are exposed to music the more they will start showing their musical taste. Most children love songs with rhyme, rhythm and various pitches.

This age group may start to become interested in formal instruction in dance and music. They may show interest in an instrument and enjoyment of particular music or dance. There is a social and emotional aspect of music and movement. According to the RCM music contributes to brain development, memory, attention, speech, reading, creativity and so much more. 

There are many great articles and research that relate to music and movement some you may want to explore are Sing that Tune

 Rhythm Over Alphbet

Literacy Through Music

A Marching Band

Nursery Rhymes do Something Incredible

There are many benefits to having music and movement in your child's life. You can expose them through experiences at home or in a program. Music is beneficial to brain development, language, social emotional development, visuospatial abilities, executive function, creativity, spacial ability, vocabulary, memory, attention, decision making and so much more! Movement helps build confidemce, gross and fine motor skills, balance, build muscle, reflexes and movement control plus so much more!