Music hits right
notes with kids
Early exposure improves
By Tim Ryan
a child's development
Star-BulletinMusic has been described as the speech of angels, the soul of geometry, the architecture of sound, emotions beyond speech, the universal language.
So, it seems safe to say that , the earlier that children are exposed to music the more literate they may become.
As such, the Honolulu Symphony has expanded its "Ohana Series" from four to five concerts especially designed for children and families. The concerts, to be conducted by Symphony Pops leader Stuart Chafetz, will be held Sunday afternoons beginning in September.
"Music is so much a part of our culture, especially in Hawaii where music is very much an expression of life, that the symphony believes it is so very important to expose children to as much variety of music as possible," said Bob Peters, symphony board member and chairman of its education committee.
"To have children experience a variety of music at a young age lets them see and understand what music can be about and gives them the chance to make choices," conductor Chafetz added.
Citing various studies, Peters said musical "literacy" is known to improve coordination between thought and action, creative and orderly thinking, and encourage mental alertness.
"Music often is the first artistic activity that makes a child realize that you must work hard to get what you want," he said. "Musical training helps develop concentration and memory, important qualities in all aspects of life and learning."
As headmaster at Hanahauoli School, Peters also has another perspective about the importance of music: Understanding music helps create "a connective tissue between disciplines which is important for children to make in school."
The Honolulu Symphony "wants kids to have an interest in music not just as listeners but as participants if possible," Peters said.
"We want to help open kids' minds to music through small group discussions or be able to actually use some of the instruments in our schools rather than just limiting the experience to a talented few.
"Since music education programs in Hawaii schools are diminishing, the Ohana concerts provide access for more kids who might not otherwise be able to do it."
Prominent educators stress that it's crucial for children to be exposed to music from infancy to age 7. After that, the brain begins to learn in a different way and music will not shape thinking as powerfully as when the child had been exposed earlier.
"Musical literacy teaches children how not only to learn, but to listen and it helps their minds develop the ability to focus on how the sounds are perceived," Chafetz said.
Music of one kind or another has been around since the dawn of humankind. For each of us, musical exposure began in the womb with the rhythmic sound of the mother's heartbeat.
Some experts believe that the need to make music is inborn, saying children instinctively bang on pots, pans, boxes, toys and furniture to make music. And when infants and children are allowed to experiment with instruments their passion and aptitude for music blossoms.
"Experimentation (with musical instruments) helps to develop a child's growing mind and body," Chafetz said.
The Ohana Series is designed to include broad musical themes that allow for more than just passive sitting and listening, Peters said.
"We take the music and really want them to connect to it," he said. "So much of the classical (music) tradition is story telling, like William Tell, that this often becomes a very strong hook.
"Let's at least give children a chance not to like it rather than just simply not exposing them to music."
An expanded Ohana Series "provides more opportunities," Peters said.
"Remember," Peters said, "when children are making music or listening to it, they're involved in an educational, stimulating, nonviolent and nonaggressive activity."
All in the Ohana
Honolulu Symphony Ohana Series -- concerts for the family
When: Five Sunday concerts, Sept. 27 through May 16; 3:30 p.m. The schedule is:
The Magic Circle Mime Co.: The Mozart Experience: Sept. 27. A street musician is thrust into the role of a modern-day Mozart. The program was developed for the Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center.
