Good Music Brighter Children: Simple and Practical Ideas to Help Transform Your Child's Life Through the Power of Music

by Sharlene Habermeyer

Overview

Did you know that music has the power to increase your child's intelligence? Scientific studies at some of the most respected universities in the world indicate that children introduced to classical music at a young age read earlier and perform better on achievement tests. Inside, respected educator, Sharlene Habermeyer gives you a simple, step-by-step program that any parent can follow. You'll discover how introducing your children to good music can: accelerate language development, improve math and science skills, increase memory and concentration, improve reading comprehension and retention, enhance physical coordination and benefit children with learning disabilities and more. This book is a powerful guideline for any parent who wants to help their child develop into a bright, well-rounded and confident adult.

"With a scientist's eye and an artist's voice, Habermeyer examines everything from the benefits of music for the developing brain to music's ability to improve cultural awareness. This is an encyclopedic, invaluable resource for anyone who believes in music education. A magnum opus, fact-filled and inspiring, on the benefits of music."
-Kirkus Indie, Kirkus Media LLC

"This book outlines why music is important to learning, and provides parents with excellent suggestions for launching and sustaining a musical influence in the lives of their children."
-James S. Catterall, professor of education and co-director of Imagination Project at UCLA.

This book is a well-crafted look at the importance and many benefits of music in our children's lives at home and school. It is an enjoyable, lucid, and informative read for anyone who wants to better understand or make the case for the value of arts education in our schools."
-Tim Seldin, President, The Montessori Foundation

"This beautifully written work presents the most compelling argument to date that supports why we as a society must continue to fulfill the cultural mandate of including music in the life of every child."
-Kathleen A. Horvath, PhD, Director of Undergraduate Studies in Music Education, Case Western Reserve University

"This book provides educators, parents, and the community with critical information as well as the language to advocate for music's rightful position within a child's complete education."
-Joan Ashcraft, DMA, Director, Tucson Unified School District, Performing Arts, Opening Minds through the Arts (OMA)

"A great resource for both parents and teachers. Anyone interested in music or the overall well-being of children will not be able to put this book down."
-Lisha Papert Lercari, Director, Music and the Brain

"Carefully researched and highly readable, Good Music, Brighter Children is written for musicians and non-musicians alike. It is filled with wisdom, insight and helpful tips to bring music into the home for all ages and stages of childhood."
-Shauna Bird Dunn, JD, MPA, Utah Young Mother of the Year, 2010

"This book is an incalculable resource for family members, educators, and music-affiliated retailers alike. Parents should immerse themselves in its message."
-Antoinette Purdon, The Piano Company, Leesburg, Virginia

"Every parent should read this book to discover the hidden talents of children; even those with learning disabilities. Nothing is impossible if we strive to help our children through the power of good music."
-Miriam Choi, Suzuki Piano Teacher (Advanced), Melbourne, Australia

"Good Music, Brighter Children perfectly outlined for me how to brighten my children's lives through the world of music
-Nancy Allen Naroff, Mother of musicians Madeline and Dylan

"Good Music, Brighter Children is a refreshing and inspiring 'how-to' manual for parents who want to improve their child's life through music."
-Michelle Whitesides, Mother and Young Violinist Chairperson PVRSO

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781484157312
Publisher:	CreateSpace Publishing
Publication date:	01/24/2014
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	464
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.94(d)

About the Author

Sharlene Habermeyer, MA, has spent over twenty-five years researching the effects of music in the brain development of young children. She is passionate about how people of all ages learn and how music can be the catalyst for learning. She holds a masters degree in Education from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. In 1999, she started the Palos Verdes Regional Orchestra (now the Palos Verdes Regional Symphony Orchestra). It currently boasts over one-hundred members. A college instructor, a frequent lecturer, and a consultant, she is the mother of five boys and lives with her husband in Torrance, California.
(Contact: email: [e-mail]
Blog: www.goodmusicbrighterchildren.com)

Editorial Reviews

2014-01-27
Habermeyer (Good Music, Brighter Children, 1999) updates her debut exploration of the importance of music in children's lives with enlightening new information. After educator Habermeyer struggled to find a book on the benefits of music for children that included practical guidance for parents, she decided to write one herself. The result was a meticulously researched and crafted work—a blend of investigation, manual, textbook and inspiration—with careful scrutiny of the merits and implementation of music instruction. The updated edition brings in 21st-century scientific studies, laws and technological innovations, along with anecdotes about successful child musicians—all of which support the idea that music should be as fundamental to education as the three R's. With a scientist's eye and an artist's voice, Habermeyer examines everything from the benefits of music for the developing brain to music's ability to improve cultural awareness. "Music, like truth, is often felt before it is understood," the book notes. Similarly, Habermeyer's lucid writing tends to strike a chord before the reader has processed the wealth of data that supports it. Her book is never preachy or hyperbolic—it is instead well-reasoned and peppered with moments of science-backed epiphany—yet its effect is as moving as it is cerebral. It is also motivational enough to encourage many parents to sign their children up for lessons. And it provides tips and resources that can help, including lists of recommended books, DVDs and Internet sources, as well as clear explanations of which instruments might best suit children of different ages and personalities. It gives particular attention to the value of music in the lives of special needs children, a topic often slighted in books for a general audience. And it delves into important ancillary subjects, such as ways to support local arts or start an orchestra. This is an encyclopedic, invaluable resource for anyone who believes in music education. Habermeyer may be preaching partly to the choir, but that choir is ready to sing and start playing instruments. Even parents whose children are already taking lessons may find valuable recommendations. A magnum opus, fact-filled and inspiring, on the benefits of music.

Kirkus Reviews