How Daily Music Time Can Boost Your Child’s Brain and Strengthen Family Bonds.

A few years ago, an elementary school conducted an intriguing experiment. One group of students received weekly music lessons, while another group did not. The results were fascinating: the children who participated in weekly music sessions showed a notable increase in neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change, adapt, and grow.

What Is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s incredible ability to form new neural connections. It’s how we learn new skills, adapt to changes, and strengthen cognitive abilities. Music, especially when experienced actively and consistently, has been shown to enhance neuroplasticity in children. Weekly music-making isn’t just fun—it’s a brain-building workout!

Music Isn’t Just Fun—It’s Bonding, Too

When you make music with your child, something special happens. You're not just singing a song—you’re creating moments of connection. Studies have even shown that when people sing together (like in choirs), their heartbeats begin to sync. Amazing, right?

Incorporating music into your daily routine—whether it’s during bath time, car rides, or getting ready for bed—can strengthen your bond with your child and foster a shared sense of joy.

Songs That Teach: Cognitive Growth Through Music

Let’s talk about how music helps your child’s cognitive development. Think of bath time. You sing a silly song about fish in the sea. Then, you expand the verses: whales, crabs, dolphins—before you know it, your child is connecting animals with the ocean and learning about categories and associations. That’s brain development in action, disguised as fun!

And who could forget the ABCs? Most of us learned the alphabet through song—and there’s a reason it stuck. Music helps with memory and pattern recognition, making it easier for children to absorb and retain new information.

Even action songs like "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" are powerful learning tools. They teach body part identification, coordination, and sequencing. Or for grownups, try singing “Hat, Wallet, Keys, and Phone” before leaving the house—it’s surprisingly effective!

Make Chores Musical

Need help with cleanup time? Turn it into a game with a song! Creating a musical routine around chores not only engages your child but can also encourage independence and responsibility. (Okay, we can’t promise they’ll always clean up, but it’s a great start!)

Start Making Music Today

So what are you waiting for? Put on your favorite playlist, grab a few instruments (or pots and wooden spoons!), and start making music with your little one today. Whether you're singing in the car, humming during bath time, or dancing while folding laundry, you're helping your child grow—and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Want Even More Musical Moments?

Joining a Music Together® semester gives you and your child a complete toolbox of songs, activities, and ideas to bring music into your daily life with ease. Each class is filled with joyful, research-based music-making that not only boosts your child’s brain development but also gives you the confidence and inspiration to keep the music going at home.

With access to the full song collection, take-home materials, and guided support from trained teachers, you'll discover new ways to sing, play, and bond with your little one every single day. It’s more than just a class—it’s a community, a routine, and a meaningful way to connect.

Find a Music Together® class near you!