The Gift of Music Combined with Prayer

Music is one of God’s greatest gifts to us.  Children are naturally moved by music and respond to it even before they are born!  There is no better place to foster this development than in your home.  Fun musical play activities create an effective learning environment and foster family bonding.  When children interact with parents, they learn.  Combine these elements purposefully and your child’s music aptitude will thrive.

The Importance of Early Childhood Music Education

Experience has proven that early childhood music education programs really work.  The brain of a child under the age of three is, in the words of brain researchers, “plastic”, or moldable.  This is because the human brain does much of its growth after birth, in its environment.  The brain’s synapses actually grow to meet the demands placed upon it.  Different environmental demands grow specific and unique brain synapses.

To create the new synapses necessary to achieve natural musical ability, the brain must be exposed to music while it is growing.  The rate of brain growth declines with age and so does the opportunity to “hardwire” the brain for optimum music aptitude.  Early music education programs carefully control the environment to encourage the growth of the brain musically.  Research and statistics have shown that children in early music education programs reach musical milestones up to five years faster than their counterparts, and are more likely to continue with formal music training later in life.

Combining Music with the Catholic Faith

Making Music Praying Twice is unique in that it is “faith inclusive” for the Catholic child.  It recognizes faith as an important and, in fact, central aspect of life.

Some of the most beautiful music in the world has been written for the Lord.  God is the source of all beauty and knowing Him naturally enhances our appreciation of beauty.  Faith truly enhances the music experience.

Likewise, our Church history, countless Scripture references, and innumerable individuals can attest to the fact that music can enhance a faith experience.  By presenting music from a faith perspective, your child’s mind and body, as well as his soul, are respected and educated.

Making Music Praying Twice offers everything from single CDs to comprehensive family programs for purchase. In addition they offer a Little Angels program designed for use in religious education programs, daycares, preschools, or young children’s choirs. They also have free learning tools that connect to their curriculum.

Author: Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur

Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur, editor of "Today's Catholic Homeschooling", is the mother of two biological sons and one adopted daughter. She is in her seventeenth year of homeschooling. She has a B.A. in History and Fine Art and a Master's Degree in Applied Theology. She is the author of "The Crash Course Guide to Catholic Homeschooling" and "The Fruits of the Mysteries of the Rosary". She blogs at spiritualwomanthoughts.blogspot.com