WHY MUSIC?

A Musical start, to begin with.

Music has always been a key part of my life. My mom sang to us, and later with us from when we were born. I did Ballet lessons from the age of 3 and was fascinated by the pianist playing for us. My sister, (7 years my senior), had her ballet lesson much later on a Saturday. Our Ballet school was far from home so I always had to wait for her to finish before we were fetched. I would go and sit next to the pianist and match playing her bass notes an octave lower. (It must have driven Mrs. Duncan to distraction! But she was always calm and patient.)

I was a red robin in one of my first Ballet concerts. (left, front) 

We had a piano at home, which my mom played, when she could find the time while raising 4 children. Encouraged by what the Ballet teacher told them about my manoeuvres on the piano, and after listening enough to me tinkling away on the piano, they decided that it was time for me to go for piano lessons. My two younger brothers had the full benefit of my music and dancing lessons, as I loved making up stories for them to act in. Whether they wanted to (sometimes), or not (mostly).

High school, plaid pants and flute.

I went to the Art, Ballet and Music school, (in High school), and after that studied to become a teacher. I was always involved in singing, directing choirs and teaching music. I used Music in my daily teaching of school subjects. My own children loved Music and in their own way made it part of their lives. 

My son and daughter at the piano.

After my children were grown, I did my Honours degree in Music Communication. This degree concentrated on using Music as a means to communicate. I became so captivated by my dissertation question on learning educational content with music, that it became my intention to help as many children, parents and teachers as possible to utilize Music as part of successful and enjoyable learning. 

Why is Music so Magical? 

Owing to my involvement in Music, I just had to know more about its Magical properties. What I found astonished and excited me. I used these facts as a foundation for Songbirds.

    1. A baby’s brain starts to function at 6 weeks after conception.
    2. They are able to hear at 14 weeks after conception. This hearing and listening involves and stimulates brain function and memory. The inner ear develops and this helps with the start of the functioning of the vestibular sense (balance) and proprioception (where our joints and body parts are in space).
    3. High pitched sounds travel through the amniotic fluid and the “mother tongue” of that baby starts being ingrained as he hears her communicating every day. 
    4. At 26 weeks the fetus responds to sound.
    5. Babies interact with sounds and voices around them from birth, giving preference to the voice of the mother.
    6. Babies sing before they talk. They move to music long before they can walk.

What more proof do we need to convince ourselves that Music is super beneficial for our children? Well, just Google the effects of Music on brain development and be astounded by scientific studies. Alternatively, read the Songbirds blogs, and see what Music can do for you and your child.

Welcome to this amazing journey!