At Wriggle and Rhyme we are passionate about the power of music as a learning tool. Our music programmes are carefully designed to harness this power by exercising many areas of the brain.
But, one of the profound joys of music, is its ability to connect us with our history.
A link to the past
Have you ever heard a song and been immediately transported back in time? Often you won’t only remember the song, you’ll remember that season of your life. Who you were with, what you were doing and how you felt!
Our history of music
Music has this incredible ability to attach itself to our memories and act like a GOOGLE search engine – allowing us to access loads of information as it triggers those memories.
Music and memory
The therapeutic benefits of music are well documented. Increasingly, music is being used to assist people where their brain function is deteriorating.
An organisation called MUSIC AND MEMORY runs programmes to do just this. https://www.musicandmemory.org
Here’s their vision for using music as a therapeutic tool.
“Music and Memory started with the understanding that music is deeply rooted in our conscious and unconscious brains. As powerful as that idea is, it becomes even more important if the functioning of the brain is deteriorating, as it occurs with dementia and other types of cognitive and physical challenges. But music can awaken the brain and with it, the rich trove of memories that are associated with familiar songs or beloved pieces.”
Build the soundtrack of your life
Music has a role to play in all of our lives. Whether we are 10 days old, 10 years old or 100 years old.
Not only does it have a profound impact on the brain’s development, particularly in babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. But it also has a role in encouraging and soothing damaged or deteriorating brains.
Today’s take-aways
Think for a moment about the role that music has played and continues to play in linking together the seasons of your life.
Incorporate a wide range of music styles into your family’s life and play music intentionally and frequently.
If you have elderly friends or relatives, consider making them a playlist of songs from their past. Talk to them about the music of their life and build a soundtrack for them, to comfort, encourage and cheer them on their journey.
Music is truly the gift that keeps on giving!
For more info on our baby classes – click here http://wriggleandrhyme.co.za/baby-music-classes/
For more info on our toddler classes – click here http://wriggleandrhyme.co.za/toddler-music-classes/
For more info on our pre-school classes at partner schools – click here http://wriggleandrhyme.co.za/pre-schooler-music-classes/