Most of us have heard about the idea of using classical music to increase babies math skills down the road but does it really work? There have been studies done to prove and disprove this myth and it seems there are about a million opinions on the subject. Given the amount of variables that may affect such studies you will have to use your own judgement when it comes to this topic and to help you I have posted some of my findings below to help you sort it out.
BabyCenter has posted a little something about the topic, music and learning.
The Mozart Effect was a study done on the effects of Mozart in particular and seems to be a universally recognized term.
CBC Canada reported on the topic in 2000,
Use classical music to enhance your baby’s learning. That’s the goal of a new national program that helps parents incorporate music into their child’s growth and development.
Sixty-five thousand new mothers will receive a free classical music CD, courtesy of the Smart Symphonies campaign. The music will be distributed through doctors’ offices across the country.
The CD features Grammy award-winning recordings of 13 classical pieces.
Research suggests that babies unconsciously respond to the qualities of classical music. This gives them a head start on developing the skills needed for science, math and problem-solving, say researchers.
Dr. John Flohr, Professor of Music at Texas Women’s University says that music can help children to think, reason and be creative. He adds that many researchers believe that classical music may be particularly effective.
The Grammy Foundation and Enfalac, a baby formula manufacturer, developed the program to encourage the use of classical music as an infant development tool.
There are of course those that are out to dismiss the claims of the Mozart Effect, BabyCenter posted the findings on a study done by researchers at the Appalachian State University.
Bottom line is that it won’t hurt to introduce your baby to some classical music at an early age but don’t rely on it to make your baby into a genius.