Last updated: 9 October 2025.
Learning music in the early years does more than entertain. Studies link music experiences with gains in attention, memory, language, and social-emotional growth. By age five the brain is ~88–90% of adult size/weight, while maturation continues into the 20s—so daily music in preschool sits in a period of rapid development.
What changes in the brain with learning music?
- Meta-analyses in 2024–2025 show music training improves executive functions in children (inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility). Effects are larger with frequent, longer sessions. Frontiers+1
- Long-running work from Northwestern shows that active engagement (showing up, participating, playing) strengthens neural encoding of speech and supports reading—passive listening doesn’t. Benefits appear after sustained participation (~2 years). PMC+2Frontiers+2
- Reviews connect music training with better verbal skills and general reasoning; rhythmic work aligns with phonological awareness, a foundation for reading. PMC+2PMC+2
- Arts education also supports socio-emotional development—self-regulation, collaboration, and confidence. PMC
Daily skills that transfer beyond the classroom
- Group singing → turn-taking, pacing, listening.
- Rhythm and rhyme → phonemic awareness and reading readiness. PMC
- Instrument work → persistence, working memory, fine and gross motor control. Frontiers
How Montessori teachers at Excelled use music
In Montessori, children explore sound, rhythm, and pattern through hands-on, sensorial work. At Excelled Montessori (San Antonio), music is built into the day—not a once-a-week add-on—and included in tuition.
What this looks like each week
| Age | Daily (10–15 min) | Weekly focus | Skills you target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toddlers | call-and-response songs, clapping patterns | steady beat, turn-taking | joint attention, imitation, fine motor |
| 3–4 yrs | rhythm sticks, picture-song cards (EN/ES) | syllables, rhyme | phonemic awareness, self-regulation PMC |
| 4–5 yrs | instrument families, echo rhythms, simple notation | patterning, memory | working memory, cooperation, pre-literacy Frontiers |
(Music lesson ideas on edScription) edScription+1
Try this at home (5 minutes total)
- Beat walk (1 min): walk and clap a steady beat to a favorite song.
- Name-rhythm (2 min): speak each family member’s name in syllables while tapping.
- Echo game (2 min): you clap a pattern; your child echoes it.
These short, frequent reps align with how the research shows gains accumulate. Frontiers
Why this matters for families
Early, learning music supports cognitive, language, and social growth—and you don’t need private lessons to start. A strong classroom program that embeds daily music provides broad benefits; private lessons add instrument-specific skills later.
FAQs about learning music in preschool
How often do children need music to see benefits?
Short, daily sessions work well. Meta-analyses show frequency and duration matter. Frontiers+1
Does learning music help with reading?
Yes. Rhythm/rhyme activities support phonological awareness and neural processing of speech, which tie to reading. PMC+1
Is passive listening enough?
No. Studies show it’s active participation—showing up and making music—that changes neural processing. Frontiers+1
Do I need private lessons?
Not to get general developmental benefits. School-based group instruction shows measurable neural and academic effects. Frontiers
Ready to see a music-rich classroom?
At Excelled Montessori, we believe in the power of music to transform lives. Our music program provides children with a rich and diverse musical experience that supports their overall development. By integrating music into our Montessori curriculum, we aim to foster a love for learning, creativity, and a sense of community among our students. We invite parents to join us in celebrating the joy and benefits of music education for their children.
Music lessons for preschoolers are not just an extracurricular activity; they are an essential part of a well-rounded education. By investing in music education, we are investing in the future success and well-being of our children. Let the music play, and watch your child flourish!
For more information on our music program and other exciting activities at Excelled Montessori, please visit our website Excelled Montessori.
Book a tour and ask to observe a circle with rhythm sticks or a language/song small group.
References
- Lu et al., 2024: Music training → better executive functions in preschoolers (systematic review/meta-analysis). Frontiers
- Cai et al., 2025: Music training → children’s executive function (triple-tiered meta-analysis). Frontiers
- Kraus et al., 2014 (Frontiers; J. Neurosci.): Engagement in community music → stronger neural encoding of speech; benefits scale with participation over ~2 years. Frontiers+1
- Gordon et al., 2015: Music training ↔ literacy-related language skills (meta-analysis). PMC
- Holochwost et al., 2021: Arts education and socio-emotional development (review). PMC
- Early brain growth context: ~88–90% of size/weight by age five; maturation continues into adulthood. PMC+2First Things First+2
Programs offered at ExcellED Montessori Plus include:
✔️Infants (10 Weeks – 18 Months)
✔️Toddlers (18 – 36 Months)
✔️Primary (3-6 Years)
✔️Kindergarten
✔️Mother’s Day Out
✔️Spanish Immersion / Dual Language
✔️After School Programs and Summer Camp (6 – 12 Years)
Music, Spanish, and Yoga are other programs included as part of the tuition.
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