Babies benefit cognitively, developmentally, and emotionally from going to music classes. In addition to developing an early appreciation of music, the goal of many baby music classes is to foster and parent/caregiver bond through music making. According to a McMaster University study (2012), babies who participate in music classes during their first year of life “smile more, communicate better, and show earlier and more sophisticated brain responses to music.” Music classes for babies stimulate their brains by exposing them to activities that enhance language skills, social skills, and motor skills. Music classes can also provide sensory awareness, exposing babies to noisy instruments (such as drums) can help to make other noises in the world less scary.
Baby music classes are not just great for babies – parents and caregivers can be taught to soothe their babies through music (such as singing a favorite song). Babies learn to trust their parents and caregivers because the parents learn effective strategies to help the baby regulate their emotions. Spending regularly scheduled and focused time with babies strengthens emotional bonds both parents/caregivers and children and increases confidence for the adults.