How music helps wee ones learn, grow and connect

Music plays an important role in our lives – from childhood through to adulthood. From the very first sounds heard in the womb, children can use music to explore the world around them. As a universal way to connect, music not only helps to create bonds within families, but it can also boost confidence, happiness, wellbeing and much more.

We caught up with Leanne, founder of KIDS ROCK – Music, Story and Imagination, a local sensory and fun music group for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, to chat about how music has shaped her life and how it supports early years development…

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how KIDS ROCK began?

“Music has always been a huge part of my life. My dad is a professional musician, so I grew up surrounded by all kinds of music. As a child, I played the violin in the Aberdeen Youth Orchestra, but my true love and passion for music really began after my 21st birthday, when I was given a guitar.

“From a young age, I loved attending live gigs and music festivals, and I continued to do so into adulthood - even playing at a few myself - before becoming a mum in 2013.

“Alongside my love of music, I’ve always had a passion for working with children. As a qualified early years practitioner, I’ve spent the last 26 years working in early years, as well as raising a few children of my own.

“While on maternity leave with my second child, I had a real lightbulb moment and realised I could combine my experience in early years with my passion for music to create something truly unique.

“That’s how KIDS ROCK - Music, Story and Imagination began. My classes and events bring together music, storytelling and imagination to create rich, meaningful and educational experiences for babies and young children.

“In a lovely full-circle moment, I now also host KIDS ROCK at Belladrum Festival. Every year, my family and I head up to the Highlands and spend the weekend having the best time.

“On a day-to-day basis, my classes take place in Kingswells, Cove and Bridge of Don and are suitable for babies through to pre-schoolers. We read stories, listen to music from a wide range of genres, incorporate sensory elements and, most importantly, have lots of fun.”

“Being exposed to all kinds of music from a young age is crucial to early years development. It can help to improve language, numeracy, cognitive, emotional and social skills - the list goes on - as well as developing coordination and boosting confidence. Not only this, but it also boosts endorphins (the happiness hormones), which support emotional wellbeing from a very early age.

“One developmental benefit that often surprises parents is just how much confidence their child gains through music. Some children find this confidence quickly, while others take a little longer, but it always comes eventually. Parents are also amazed at how younger babies begin to copy and mimic actions and sounds, and how this often leads to them dancing and moving to music earlier than expected.”

How does music help with bonding between parent and baby or toddler?

“I truly believe it’s never too early to introduce music. I studied the Mozart Theory before I became a mum and loved playing music to both my babies in the womb. It soothed them to sleep when they were born and sparked excitement and wonder in their development as they grew.

“When a parent and child share a musical experience, it cements an unbreakable bond. Music is a language spoken by all, young and old, and if a baby or toddler is non-verbal, music becomes an incredible way to communicate. With an array of sounds, rhythms and movements, the experience can be shared by parent and child on an equal level, creating special moments of connection that stay with families long after the class has ended.”

“The changes I see in children who come to my classes regularly are truly wonderful. I notice growing confidence, new friendships forming, and a stronger sense of rhythm and timing. Even the smallest babies begin to recognise the layout of the class, anticipate what comes next, and know when it’s time to play peekaboo or shake their maraca. Watching that familiarity and excitement grow each week is incredibly rewarding.

“I also have so many memorable stories from parents. In just this year alone, six parents have told me their little one asked for a guitar for Christmas and they now play our KIDS ROCK songs at home. Many parents have shared that I’m the reason their child enjoys such a wide range of musical styles, and one parent even told me I reignited their love for music after they experienced postnatal depression. These moments mean the world to me and are things I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”