Children have an innate ability to absorb and appreciate music. From birth they have minds that are open to everything, rather than preconceived notions of what is good or bad. Whether listening to Mozart or The Beatles, the only requirement is a willingness to enjoy music’s beauty and structure.

If we begin to expose babies to a myriad of musical styles, we witness early responses. Even in the early weeks of life, a baby will respond to complex musical works. I certainly observed this in my own child as she responded to complex melodies and varied musical styles in the first months of her life.

My daughter at three weeks old reacted to a Rachmaninoff piano concerto, with eyes searching, facial changes pronounced. Clearly the sounds had a dramatic and positive effect that calmed her fussing. She became still, seemingly enthralled in the music. Often music can reach a baby like nothing else. (It can also sometimes save you a trip around the block waiting for baby to fall asleep in the car!). The calming effect of lullabies has been known for millennia.

As babies grow into toddlers, listen to music with them that is more complex or unusual in style or sound. Don’t limit what children hear just because you might think they are too young to understand it. Music can be absorbed and appreciated at a most primal level.

When I embarked on the recording of my children’s music CD (“Wake Up & Go To Sleep”, Artsong Music) it never occurred to me to create a watered-down collection of songs made just for young listeners. Rather, the songs evolved into a new mom’s narrative influenced by numerous musical styles. The aim was to broaden children’s musical appreciation and let parents interact.

It is a fascinating process to watch what moves a child. Try playing snippets of songs of varied styles and sit back and watch how they respond. How fun to discover what touches them.

Music can help children express what they aren’t able to articulate. Often the sheer joy of singing and using their voice can enable a child to begin to develop a love of music. Singing feels good, both emotionally and physically to a child and dancing or moving to music is a natural expression of rhythm, which is part of life. Encouraging your children to sing and dance will cause them to be more free and expressive.

Kids love learning, especially when its fun and you as parents are part of it! Sing and dance together. Who cares if you can’t sing, just let your hair down a bit. Young kids won’t judge you; they will delight in being with you as you both discover new music.

If you’ve exhausted your own CD collection and unsure about how to explore new musical styles, visit your local library. Most have a very good section of CDs. Try checking out a different genre each time. Of course you can browse the Internet and visit your favorite on-line music stores. Most offer downloadable music samples.

Attend outdoor concerts where kids can dance and run around to the music. Many venues offer free concerts, in a variety of styles.

Music is at the heart of a child’s spirit. It can inspire little souls to think outside the box!

Let the world of music fill your children’s hearts with joy, and in return it will do the same for you.