YOU SHOP Please select a school to benefit. In 1998 its popularity led Georgia Governor Zell Miller to propose the use of public funds to buy a classical music tape or CD for every baby born in his state more than 100,000 a year. While controversy over the Mozart effect has not been resolved, emerging research sheds new light on why it makes sense to foster your child's musical ability. For one, children do seem to be hardwired to love music. Gardner's colleagues at Harvard's Project Zero are now discovering that active involvement with music not just passive listening is what develops musical intelligence.
Research shows that babies as young as two months can detect a melody.
Moreover, babies can differentiate between a father's voice and a mother's. Since pitch and rhythm are the two most distinct elements of music, your singing is making a contribution to your child's musical intelligence that is different from mom's. Your child is actively discriminating between the two pitches. Don't be afraid to sing, even if you're off-key. Use Your Car Time Carry a supply of children's music in your car audiotape or CD and sing along with your children while you drive.