My mother believed that music should be part of every child's life.
The sounds of her playing the piano and oboe filled our home in my early years.
My father also encouraged music with his love of musicals and holiday music.
Both encouraged us to raise our voice in song and provided opportunities to learn an instrument.
It is, perhaps, the very reason I have an appreciation for music of all genres.
While I have my parents to thank for introducing and helping me explore the world of music from a very young age, it was the birth of my niece that brought me to the beautiful world of lullabies and children's music.
I have made many observations as I watched children in a variety of environments where music was available and not available over the years.
I have seen first hand the difference music can make in a child's life, and to setting that child's mood or involvement in the world around them.
It provides balance and opens the world of education to our children.
Here are 21 reasons to exposing your baby and toddler to music.

1. Emotional well-being
2. Stimulates motor skills
3. Accelerates language development
4. Soothes and comforts crying babies
5. Lullabies strengthen the bond between parent & child
6. Inspires creativity & improvisation
7. Promotes eye-hand coordination
8. Encourages self confidence
9. Motivates concentration
10. Enhances physical education
11. Encourages interaction with others
12. Strengthens communication and expression abilities
13. Aids Memory
14. Facilitates the development of self-confidence, self-esteem, self-expression and self-control- all key ingredients to success in life!
15. Music is a highly powerful method of setting moods
16. Improves vocabulary development
17. Transcends language barriers.
    Children of any culture can share and enjoy music together!
18. Benefits children with learning disabilities
19. Hearing and making music is a very enriching and positive experience
20. Encourages patience
21. Making music is a fun activity!

Music produces simple pleasures we can all enjoy, and is a wonderful tool to help connect and bond with your child.
It has the power to motivate, stimulate and captivate little imaginations, giving them the power to achieve great things in life and the wings with which to do it.
There is no doubt that music can be a powerful catalyst for healing, learning, creativity and development.
We have only just begun to scratch the surface to all the positive influences it has in a child's growth and education.
I encourage you to give the gift of music to your children from the very start.
Encourage them to raise their voice in song and make a joyful noise! (c) 2000 Catherine L Pittman - All Rights Reserved