From a very early age, children love both listening to and making music – although the sounds they create are often far from tuneful.

However, whatever their ‘music’ sounds like, not only does it make children happy, it also helps them develop and learn, says a report.

But with Government funding for music in schools being slashed from £82.5 million a year to just £60 million, it’s more important than ever for parents to encourage musical creativity at home.

Dr Barbie Clarke, a child social psychologist who has written the report into the educational, social and therapeutic benefits of music for children, said: “Encouraging children to sing, to pick up anything that’s lying around to help to make sound and rhythm, and to join in family events in a musical way will help your child to connect socially, improve their learning, and can also be therapeutic.

“Above all, music should be fun and enjoyable – not something that’s forced or too formal.”

The report found that children increase their creative development just as much by messing around and having fun with music as they do from hours of serious practice.

It also showed that it’s beneficial for a child’s creative development to make loud noise, whether that’s screeching on a violin or banging on a saucepan.

Dr Clarke says children can communicate through making sounds – banging on a drum or shaking a rattle – and if they simply sway to musical sounds, for example, there will probably be a response from the people around them, such as clapping or laughter.

“By getting a response from the adults in their lives, children learn that they can create pleasure, prompt a response, and become an entertainer,” she said.

“By doing so they’re able to build confidence and self-esteem.”

By taking part in music, children also learn important non-verbal communication skills such as
taking turns, making eye contact, anticipating the actions of others, listening and concentrating, and relating to others.

Music is also thought to have educational benefits, as research suggests listening to music affects the function of the brain, and learning to play a musical instrument improves certain skills.

“The ability to remember through playing music, hearing rhythms and making sounds can help to
improve the way a child learns – and in so doing, language and literacy improves,” said Dr Clarke.

She added: “Research has shown that if children have music in their lives – either by learning to
play a musical instrument, learning to sing in a choir, or learning to recognise music – it can help them to improve academically.”

Music also has therapeutic benefits, and music therapy can help children who’ve experienced emotional or physical trauma.

“Music plays an important role in our everyday lives,” said Dr Clarke.

“It stirs a natural rhythm in children and creates a fun and enjoyable environment that prompts a sense of community and friendship.

“Most importantly, it can help those who find it difficult to make friends, or communicate, to find expression and connect.”