The Benefits of Music in Early Childhood
Rebekah Ralston, MT-BC

Music can benefit us at any age, but let’s look at the benefits of music specifically for early childhood.
 
Music can help kiddos develop in so many different domains – social, emotional, cognitive, motor, cultural, communication, academic – and in ways that are engaging and fun!
 
Social
When parents sing to their children, they’re engaging socially and strengthening that parent-child bond in a way that speaking doesn’t quite do. The cadence and rhythmic lilt of singing reaches a child’s brain in different ways and is incredibly engaging. As children get older, they can also engage with their peers musically and practice collaboration and turn-taking within the context of music, even through simple games like musical chairs.
 
Emotional
Music can impact our emotions in so many ways, and one of the methods we often see parents using with their children is to help them soothe. Singing lullabies before bed or singing a soft song when their child is upset helps teach kids how to develop those self-regulation skills themselves, and even the act of singing requires deep breathing which can help calm our nervous systems.
 
Cognitive
Music is pattern-based! Having A sections, B sections, verses, choruses, all these teach patterns and sequencing to kiddos starting at a young age and an understanding of what comes next logically based on what has already happened in the song. Music can also assist with memory and remembering skills that might not be absorbed as quickly when taught in a different way.
 
Motor
Dancing and music go hand-in-hand, and movement can help kiddos develop stronger body awareness, balance, and coordination. When it comes to fine motor skills, the act of playing instruments can help kids develop those fine finger movements needed to activate some instruments like the piano.
 
Cultural
Each family has songs and music that is important to them, and passing these songs along to their children is a way to enhance a child’s cultural connection, understanding of their family heritage, and figuring out who they are as well as sparking curiosity about the cultures and heritage of their friends.
 
Communication
Music communicates. Like the saying goes, “where words fail, music speaks.” While music is great for developing more straightforward communication skills like learning new words, it also helps kiddos learn new concepts or find new ways to understand the world around them. Music can show children that communicating and expressing oneself doesn’t have to just be through talking to someone and lets them explore these other avenues of communication.
 
Academic
Lastly, music has academic applications. As previously mentioned, music can help reinforce concepts taught and can aide in memorization of facts; just think of the alphabet song! Many adults still find themselves singing through the alphabet when they’re alphabetizing something because the song is what works and helps us keep it in our long-term memory. Music can also help kiddos develop problem solving skills and begin to understand cause and effect, whether that’s through the lyrics or through the pattern-recognition evident within the instrumentation of the music.
 
There are so many more ways that music can benefit children, and we want to share some additional resources for learning more about the benefits of music in early childhood and encourage you to expose your kids to music! Whether it’s singing at home, going to a concert, attending music therapy sessions or groups, or taking music lessons, your child can benefit from music in so many ways.
Resources
A. Kaiser. (n.d.). The importance of music and movement. chhs.niu.edu/child-center/resources/articles/music-and-movement.shtml
University of Maryland, College of Education. (2025). The importance of music in early childhood. education.umd.edu/importance-music-early-childhood