Gordon Shaw, one of the founding faculty members at the University of California, is responsible for what the media dubbed the "Mozart Effect." Shaw led a study in 1993 that concluded that students who took reasoning tests while listening to Mozart performed better on the exam as opposed to those who sat in a silent room. This prompted the "Mozart Effect." Childcare centers played Mozart CDs and expecting mothers used headphones to play Mozart for their babies in utero. The study has long had its critics and skeptics. A study done by researchers at Vienna University in 2010 found that any music played, whether it be hard rock country or classical, aided in the scores of reasoning tests.
Experts say that surrounding preschoolers with music provides them with a rich sensory environment. By exposing children to music, researchers believe that more pathways, or neural connections, are formed between the cells in the brain. Although listening to music helps with these pathways, it is by actively participating that children form the strongest connections.
Research has concluded that preschoolers who have keyboard training do better at math reasoning than students who had computer training. Preschoolers with keyboard training also demonstrated a superior ability to learn body parts through music as opposed to lessons without music. Research has also concluded that preschoolers who are involved with music have advantages when beginning school as they are better at reading and math, are better able to focus and control their bodies, play better with others and have better self-esteem.
Through improvisational dancing and handling instruments, fine and gross motor skills can be improved. Vocal and speech development can be improved through singing. Listening skills and concentration also improve with exposure to music. Moving to music is also considered a great form of physical exercise for preschoolers.
Use everyday activities such as riding in the car or doing chores to incorporate music in to your child's day. Consider buying your preschooler a kid-friendly CD player that he can operate himself. Look for preschool music classes in your area or for musical events or performances that you can attend together.