A love of music can last a lifetime

By Amy Conley
NH Mirror Contributor

As a parent, I know how rich my children’s lives have and will become because of their love for music. As a teacher, I relish every seed of human musicality that I tend. It is because of this: Music can change a life, and music can change the world.

Music is for babies
Music development begins at conception, as the first brain cells are formed. Current music research supports the idea that the years of birth to age 6 are the most beneficial years to develop your tonal and rhythmic skills, because these are the years when children learn them the most easily and efficiently (you can add in the prenatal months as well).

Children learn through play – observation, imitation, repetition and experimentation – and music is the perfect vehicle for that, whether you are singing to your child, bouncing her to a nursery rhyme or dancing together at an outdoor concert.

Kristin White of Nashua has been bringing her 3-year-old and 1-year-old to my parent-child music classes in Milford since her oldest was five months old.

“Initially people thought it was silly to have my son become involved with a music program,” she said. “However, it was quickly evident how much he has developed from the program, both socially and musically. He truly loves making and listening to music. Hopefully this interest will follow him through life.”

Music and teens
Children can find a wealth of expressive and social opportunities through music with adults and with their peers. Music and dance also raise levels of endorphins that can ward off illness.

I’ve read that older children who are involved in music tend to do better as a group than non-musically involved kids in academic subjects, even in SAT scores.

My 15-year-old son’s drum teacher is Judy Bruneau of Milford.
“Music has helped me develop self-discipline that can be applied to other areas of my life, such as fitness training and work habits,” Bruneau said. “To learn an instrument involves a personal commitment of time and energy which is ongoing. I’ve even heard of employers in non-music fields hiring musicians because of their self-discipline.”

Musical training that is supported and encouraged by teachers and especially parents can pay off in many ways. Children who can “play” musically, with voice or instruments, are practicing interaction and communication with others and are learning how to express themselves in new ways.

Of course any musician would tell you that music for its own sake is just as important as the by-products of musical study. Music is something to enjoy purely for the fun of it! Teens especially need healthy outlets for socializing in a creative way.

Music for all
Communities need places and activities for all ages to come together as well. Our seniors need places to join with other members of the community and enjoy making music. Though sometimes hard for some to get to, there are lots of opportunities for people to make music if you look hard enough (or just ask your local school or church musicians what is happening in your area).

• Milford has a Contra Dance with a live band that welcomes sit-in musicians once a month at the Town Hall. People of all ages can learn the dances, play along or just sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

• Nelson’s Candies in Wilton offers a weekly Sing Along and Jam Session for folk and country music on Tuesday mornings. It also hosts a monthly Song Circle on the second Friday of every month, open to all.

• Foodee’s Pizza in Milford offers a Celtic/Old Time music jam session on the first Wednesday of every month.

• The Milford Fife and Drum Corps welcomes members every Sunday night at the Town Hall.

If you bring your child to any of these events, they can see real music made by real people, up close and personal. You might even find a new hobby.

Amy Conley directs Music Together of Milford/Amherst/Bedford/Manchester for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, performs for family audiences, presents teacher workshops and teaches Adult Folk Ensemble classes. To learn more, visit www.amyconley.com.