BORN TO BOOGIE: THE MAGIC OF MUSIC IN THE EARLY YEARS
Aug 5
3 min read
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From lullabies at bedtime to dancing in the kitchen, music plays a joyful and natural role in our lives. But beyond fun and bonding, did you know that music has a profound impact on a child’s development — especially in the earliest years of life?
At JukeBox, our baby and toddler music classes aren’t just about making noise (although we love a good shake and rattle!). They’re grounded in decades of research that show how music supports early brain development, emotional wellbeing, and even future academic success. Let’s take a look at the science — and why starting early matters so much.
Music Builds the Brain
The early years are a critical window for brain development. According to Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, more than 1 million new neural connections form every second in a baby’s brain during the first few years of life.
Research shows that music stimulates multiple areas of the brain at once — including those involved in movement, language, emotion, and memory (Patel, 2008). This makes music a uniquely powerful tool for promoting cognitive growth.
A 2016 study published in Brain and Cognition found that musical play enhances neural processing of both music and speech in babies — helping lay the foundation for language and literacy skills.
Boosting Language & Communication
Ever notice how babies light up when you sing to them? That’s not just cute — it’s developmental gold.
Singing uses rhythm, melody, and repetition, which help babies understand and anticipate patterns in speech. Songs also slow down language, allowing infants to pick up on phonetic cues they might otherwise miss in normal conversation.
A study from the University of Washington (2016) found that babies who participated in interactive music classes showed stronger brain responses to both music and speech sounds, indicating advanced auditory processing.
This means music isn’t just entertaining — it’s helping your child learn how to listen, speak, and eventually read.
Movement, Coordination & Motor Skills
Clapping, tapping, swaying, and dancing to music help toddlers develop gross and fine motor skills. As they move to rhythms and explore instruments like shakers or drums, they’re learning cause and effect, hand-eye coordination, and even impulse control.
The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that coordinated movement to music can enhance physical development and support executive function (the brain’s self-control system) in early childhood.
Emotional Bonding & Social Growth
Music is one of the earliest ways children connect emotionally — not just to sounds, but to people.
In a group music setting, babies and toddlers:
Learn to take turns and share
Develop empathy by mirroring others' emotions
Strengthen attachment to caregivers through shared musical rituals
According to research from McMaster University, even just moving in sync to music with another person (like bouncing to the beat) can increase feelings of trust and social bonding — even in babies as young as 14 months.
Setting the Stage for School (and Life)
Long-term studies have linked early exposure to music with:
Improved math and reading skills
Higher IQ scores
Better memory and attention span
While the goal isn’t to raise a baby genius, music lays the groundwork for well-rounded development that supports success across many areas.
“Musical experiences in childhood can actually accelerate brain development, particularly in the areas of language acquisition and reading skills.” — Dr. Nina Kraus, Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory, Northwestern University
Ready to Make Music Together?
At JukeBox, we believe that music in the early years is not just enrichment — it’s essential.
Our baby and toddler classes are designed to:
Nurture development through play-based learning
Encourage bonding between caregivers and children
Create joyful, meaningful experiences that last a lifetime
Whether you’re singing lullabies at home or joining us in class, every musical moment counts.
Come see why music is one of the best gifts you can give your child. We’d love to welcome you to our musical family.
References:
Patel, A.D. (2008). Music, Language, and the Brain.
Zhao, T.C. & Kuhl, P.K. (2016). Musical intervention enhances infants' neural processing of speech. PNAS.
Trainor, L.J. et al. (2009). Synchrony and social development in infants. Developmental Science.
Harvard Center on the Developing Child. (2010). The Science of Early Childhood Development.
Kraus, N. et al. (2014). The benefits of music education for learning and brain development. Northwestern University.
