Unlocking Potential: The Benefits of Early Music Exposure on Childhood Development, Part 2

Part 1 of this blog post discussed the cognitive and academic benefits of early exposure to music for young children. While the previous benefits listed are already enough to convince any parent of the positivity of music exposure, there is still much more to talk about!

Many people nowadays are strongly drawn to music in some way, and it tends to be because of an emotional connection. Different types of music can cause different types of feelings. Music can trigger emotions. Music can resurface memories.  Music can even be a way of bringing the most unlikely of friends together!

Emotional Expression and Social Connection

Music touches feelings in ways that words alone can’t. For young children—who are often still figuring out what their emotions are—music provides a safe outlet to express themselves. Lullabies can soothe. Fast, upbeat songs can energize. Soft melodies can calm anxiety or help with transitions, like settling down at bedtime or navigating a frustrating day. Beyond individual emotions, music is a bridge to others. Singing together in a group teaches cooperation, turn-taking, and empathy. Whether it’s a parent singing to a child, a preschool class clapping along to a beat, or siblings drumming together, music creates powerful bonds. A great example? Consider a music-and-movement class at your local library. A group of toddlers might not speak fluently yet, but through song, eye contact, and shared rhythms, they communicate and build early friendships.

Kickstarting Communication

Ever notice how children’s songs repeat phrases or sound patterns? That’s not just for fun—it’s a critical part of early language development. When kids sing along to songs like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” they're practicing rhythm, vocabulary, and sentence structure in a playful, low-pressure way. Music also strengthens listening skills, which is a must for learning any language. In fact, researchers have found that music training—even something as simple as group singing—can improve how quickly young children learn new words and understand what they hear. Especially for kids with speech delays or learning differences, music can offer a fun and effective path to progress.

Turning Play Into Purpose

The beauty of music in early childhood is that it doesn’t need to be complicated, expensive, or formal. You don’t need a baby Mozart DVD or a professional music instructor to give your child the benefits of music. What you do need is intentionality. Sing to your baby during diaper changes. Make up silly songs while brushing teeth. Play a mix of instrumental music during playtime and classical lullabies at night. Let your toddler bang on pots and pans or create rhythms with wooden spoons. All these moments count. Even five minutes of daily music play can make a difference, especially when shared with love and attention.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait to Make Music a Part of Everyday Life

By now, it’s clear: early exposure to music is more than just entertainment. It’s a key ingredient in a child’s development—boosting cognitive skills, language, coordination, emotional health, and social connection. The best part? You don’t have to be musically talented yourself to give these gifts to your child. Sing off-key, make up goofy lyrics, dance like nobody’s watching. What matters most is the connection you’re creating and the developmental boost your child is getting from each musical interaction.

So go ahead—press play, pick up an instrument, or just start clapping. You’re not just making memories. You’re unlocking potential.