As a Kindermusik educator, I am blessed to come in contact with some extremely talented, creative people at Kindermusik International. One of my favorites there is Molly McGinn, senior writer for Kindermusik International. I always like to check her blog for insightful posts, and today was no exception. I am copying her post here for your benefit. Thanks, Molly!
Music is the Language of Learning - by Molly McGinn
Swapbot - Alphabet Postcard F - #5
Originally posted by dumpsterdiversanonymous
For the last five years, I’ve been looking for the words to describe why music is such an important presence in a child’s early development.There’s the brain research, yes. Compelling, and interesting, however it’s really gross to talk about a child’s mind in terms of neural networks and neuron firing.
There’s the scientific proof, yes. Studies previously performed on Kindermusik students show positive growth in intellectual and self-control behaviors. Still, some educators and experts can’t be swayed by even the most convincing studies. I think it’s just the way some people are wired.
For me, though, I finally yawped out a Eureka when I realized what preschool teachers have known all along.
Music is inherent to the methods used in early learning. Repetition, rhyme, exposure to patterns, and a variety of sounds are defining qualities of both music and early learning. That’s likely why music and language share the same pathways in the brain.
And if you’ve ever visited a kindergarten or preschool classroom in full swing, you will also notice that many early childhood teachers do use a lot of music or musical speech in their teaching methods, almost unconsciously. I know, because I’ve done it myself in my kindergarten classes that I taught in years past. Thanks again, Molly, for sharing your insights with us! 
