"3 Generations in the music business"
Kniskern
Music House, Inc.
                  Kathleen Kniskern Articles
"Does Music Make Kids Smarter??"

I remember sleeping to the dreamy-sounds of my father's clarinet playing  "Stardust".
It was just... well, comfortable.  Music was everywhere in my home, from my father's
Big Band Leader enthusiasm, my mother's violin, hearing my grandfather's greeting
in Italian operetta by singing "anybody home?" just before the door slammed.  All five
of us siblings received piano lessons from our mother. Good music was all around
us, and the passion for it, to me, was understood and yet unexplainable.
*Let's explore this question; "Does Music Make Kids Smarter?"  Here is a little test:  
Who said this?:
*"I get most joy out of my violin"  "I often think in music..." I see my life in terms of
music. "
(Answer at the end of article)

If we define smarter as higher IQ and test scores, specific studies have supported the
kids =MusicC2 theory. For example, a University of Toronto study has demonstrated
that music has been shown to increase IQ nine points in 6-year-olds who took weekly
singing or piano lessons. Also, the College Entrance Exam Board conducted a
survey which showed that SAT students who sang or played a musical instrument
scored 51 points higher on verbal and 39 points higher on math college entrance
exams. And, a recent Stanford University study revealed a molecular basis for the
"Mozart effect."
*How do I personally see music's affect on life skills? To me it's easy. I see music
keeping us focused in the here and now, and in a fervent almost passionate way. The
immediate feedback we receive when we make mistakes and the ability to make
immediate corrections is a great skill to develop. Confidence is raised along with
one's level of musicianship. Stage or just plain living room performance for mom and
dad = preparation for public speaking or just that extra ease in conversation.
Personally, music keeps a place of gladness in my being.

Here are some things that you can do to help music make a difference for your
child:**Sing! Hold your baby and allow him/her to feel the vibrations of joy through
your chest. Don't worry about the quality of your voice, your happiness transcends.
Your baby loves you!
**Play good music and sing and dance to it with your child. Or just listen. Good music
is everywhere and includes country, rock, jazz, big band, and, of course, classical.
Classical is always great, try the Baby Einstein products. Finally, silence is good, too.
Give your baby time to absorb and take in just you and his/her surroundings.
Constant loud music in the car or anywhere can be traumatic.and anxiety provoking
to your baby. Just use your own good common sense.
*Developing that ability, gift, passion or just planning old attraction for music is the
key to allowing this musical experience to become and integrated , intrinsic part of
your being. Who says that "music makes kids smarter?" Well, I see it just about every
day, and, you might just want to ask every "little musician's" parent!
Answer to "who said this?":   Albert Einstein
                              
Written By:  Kathleen Kniskern, MS, SDA
"What Instrument should my child play?"

Well,believe it or not, your child will tell you!  Your job,-  mom, dad, grandparent, or other
caring significant other,- is to introduce your little genius to music.  When you listen to
music, ask your child if they like it, or just what they think.  "What part do you like the
best?"  Just paying attention to music is the very important first step. Then, of course,
your child will be more inclined to pay attention on his own!

The ideal situation is when someone in the family plays an instrument or sings.  Playing
an instrument demonstrates to your child your passion and enthusiasm for music.  And,
of course, your child hears that instrument and feels an attraction to it because of your
love.  But, even when your child falls in love with your playing an instrument, he may
choose a different instrument for himself because of the uniqueness of your child.  
Either way, you have "set the stage" for your child to be an appreciator of music.

O.K.,  now what about the family that has no musician in the home?  First of all, just
singing along with your favorite songs, or singing acapella (alone, without any musical
accompaniment) shares your joy of music. Your child will become engaged with you
and want to sing along. Don't worry about the quality of your voice or even about being
on pitch. It's the fun, enthusiasm and the attention to music that you are teaching your
child.  And let's face it, it is a great sharing experience!

*I can still hear some parents say, "OK now what about me, who simply has no music in
the home?"  Well, start! Get some CDs and play them in your car or home occasionally
(quiet, talk time is always good too!).  Any good music that you like is good. And of
course children's music is something they will remember forever (especially if you sing
along!) Some music suggestions are: Broadway shows, movie themes, classic rock,
big band, jazz, or simply good music. Good music is found everywhere in todays'
music; - rock, country,classic, etc.  Also try an occasional trip to a fun, live musical
experience such as Saratoga Performing Arts Center, or try getting together at home
to view PBS orchestras and musicals.

Also there are a variety of childrens' programs in our area that introduce your child to
music. Look for programs that demonstrate live music: a teacher who sings, plays the
piano, guitar and introduces other instruments into the class. An interactive approach
like this is a great atmosphere for children to learn; - "hands on"  is always memorable!
 In this type of approach, they really become a part of music and become able to
distinguish between the different instruments while paying attention to pitch, rhythm,
and harmony. This is where different aspects of an instrument become apparent and
attractive to your child. As your child learns and notices the different instruments, point
them out as you both listen to music. The saxophone is certainly different from the
drums! You will soon see that your child will notice and talk more about one instrument
than of the others, and as time goes on, they may even change their mind about a
specific instrument but still be interested in music!

Now lets hear from the kids themselves. Yesterday I asked some of our students why
they chose their instrument:
"My brother plays drums and I hear the violin and I thought it was cool."-Brody Cepiel,
age 8, violin student.
"Its really fun for me to play. The keys are interesting and I can hear what I'm playing
right away."-Jonathan Pflegl, age 10, piano student (Mom, Maria, who is a vocalist and
has just completed her degree in music, says, "We always,always had music in our
home. Jonathon recognizes composers!")
"Because I like the music notes on the piano and I like the music too!"-Pooja Dutta,
age 5, piano student.
"I've always liked listening to music and I've always loved singing. I make my own CDs
and sing along. I also write my own music"-Alyssa Rovella, age 14.(Mom, Sandra, says
that- "Alyssa has been singing in church and church choir since she was 2 years old")
"My mom kinda inspired me- she always played the piano really nice in my
home."-Lauren Hoffman, age 10, piano student.
"I like the music and I sing all the time. Someday I will study flute because it sounds
really nice"- Vanessa Mickalonis, age 8, voice student.
"I think its a cool instrument and I like the kind of music I can play." -Maggie Brownson,
age 11, drum student.

So, Mom and Dad, in following these techniques along with your child  enjoy your
musical journey!

Written by: Kathleen Kniskern, MS, SDA