10 questions about musical awakening

Is the fetus sensitive to music?

Yes, at 6 months of intrauterine life, the organ and nervous system of hearing has matured. The fetus, like children born prematurely at six months of pregnancy, reacts to sounds. Studies prove it: by associating a musical sequence with spontaneous movements of the fetus, we find that when this musical sequence occurs, it triggers movements in the baby.

Does the baby remember what he heard in utero?

Yes, because it has been shown that a baby is regularly exposed to certain ‘auditory stimuli’ during pregnancy will remember it later. For example, he will calm down more easily by listening to music he has been exposed to in his mother’s womb.

The musical ear, is it genetic?

Hard to say. In this area, how to make the share of the innate and the acquired? The musical ear uses various mechanisms involving different organs (hearing system, nervous system, brain). On the other hand, we know we can develop it. Better to entrust it to professionals.

My child has ‘acoustic hypersensitivity’. Is it an asset if he wants to make music?

This hearing acuity can be an important asset in a musical practice, because for a musician it is just as essential to listen as it is to play. But it doesn’t do everything. Music practice requires work and commitment. It is not enough to have talent!

How to give him a taste for music?

Quite simply by offering him a rich and varied sound universe, without overloading him with musical instruments. This musical awakening must be done with pleasure. First voice games, sung or spoken (nursery rhymes, lullabies), audio CDs, radio? You have to vary the musical styles so that he can forge his tastes. Finally, he must be allowed to produce sounds himself, multiply his sound experiences, make noise!

I would like to sing him lullabies, but I sing out of tune!

Whatever. Above all, do not hold back: your child loves the tone of your voice, whatever. Choose simple lullabies, sing without forcing. And, with practice, you will be surprised at your progress.

At what age can we do musical awakening?

Sound awakening can start as early as 6-8 months, only in a specialized setting (workshop, kindergarten, crèche, drop-in center, etc.). The musical awakening itself starts from 3 years old, either in a specialized workshop or at home.

How does a musical awakening session take place?

Through spoken and sung voice games (songs with gestures, stories, rhymes, lullabies, onomatopoeias) and manipulation of sound objects: exploration, sound staging of stories or rhymes.

What instruments are suitable for awakening?

Anything that can produce sound: pots, pans, etc. The selection criteria are adaptation to your child’s psychomotor abilities, sound quality and, of course, safety. For example, for the little ones, the maracas whose shape is close to the rattle. Around 9 months, a harmonica whose practice is very easy. Then percussions (cymbal, drum, xylophone, triangle). Finally, the mini-piano is a wonderful instrument, each note producing a different sound.

Where to find a musical awakening organism?

– The Institute of Musical Culture (ICM), run by music teachers, is an association approved by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which operates at home. For the little ones, the ICM organizes sound awakening (0-3 years) and musical initiation (3-8 years) workshops, both individual and group. Rens. : 01 40 38 08 58.

– The Association for the Development of Musical Awakening (ADEM) organizes workshops throughout France and directs you to a workshop near your home. Phone. : 01 49 30 94 67.

– Allegro Music. This association also organizes musical awakening lessons, from 3 years old, at parents’ homes, throughout France. Rens. : 0 810 12 12 41.