LEARN THE LANGUAGE OF MUSIC WITH MUSIC SMARTS

Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violinist, struggled to learn German while studying in Germany. In the same vein, he noted that Japanese was difficult for German adults. However, he observed that all Japanese children learn Japanese very naturally, and German children learn German very easily. Why is this?

In the 1970s, Dr. Suzuki discovered the mother-tongue approach to teaching young children, which would become the basis for his renowned Suzuki Method. Music education is based on the natural process of language immersion. Music will become as natural to children as learning their native language, according to Dr. Suzuki.

Children who follow the Suzuki Method develop their auditory-musical intelligence at a young age.

What are Music Smarts?

The ability to use rhythm and melody is known as "Auditory-Musical Intelligence" or "music smarts.". The ability is included in Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Intelligence is defined in a variety of ways in this theory. Some children have strengths in specific areas, such as nature smarts, people smarts, and logic smarts.

Those with strong music smarts thrive in musical environments. They are also aware of sounds and rhythms in the world around them. The clickety-clack of trains on tracks, the sweet conversations between songbirds, the chiming of doorbells, and more influence a music-smart person as much as formal music. It is possible for students with music and word smarts to find music in the rhythmic rise and fall of syllables in a Dr. Seuss poem.

Start a Journey of Musical Exploration

In the same way children learn to speak their native tongues, Dr. Suzuki decided to teach music to young children. Music is all about listening and exploring. Students with strong music skills can also benefit from:

• Listening to music through headphones while reading.
  
• Having their own workspace allows them to hum or whistle while they work.
• Narrating and dialoging aloud.
• Playing with music glasses.

Experiencing music beyond the home or virtual classroom is also important. Every year, Appleton, Wisconsin hosts a music festival in late August. Most of the events take place along a one-mile stretch of our quaint and thriving downtown. I enjoyed several indie bands while I shopped at the Farmers' Market this year, and my entire family enjoyed a sing-along led by local music teachers and festival headliners. My ears were filled with music. I loved it!

In places without local festivals, families can still find music venues almost anywhere. Many musicians perform at churches, coffeehouses, farmers' markets, and fairs. You may even come across buskers who play or sing in public places and leave their instrument cases open to collect tips.

Each child possesses music smarts, not just the virtuosos. You can make your children's day brighter and improve their learning skills by incorporating music into their lives. Is music a part of your family's lifestyle? Share your thoughts in the comments.