Universal language enriches young minds

By EDWARD TERRY

“Young minds absorb ideas.”

The music world showed its appreciation for Mayer’s work this month when she received a “Nashville Music Award for Children’s Music Recording of the Year.”

“They are learning things at this age that I didn’t learn until I was a music major. I see the kids getting smarter in front of me.”    
~ Jeanne Mayer, creator of MusiClub,

“Preschool crowd takes quickly to music, which educators say can help them grow intellectually.”

Fun appears to be the main objective when local youngsters gather for Jeanne Mayer’s MusiClub, but far more is happening with these children than the apparent laughter, singing and dancing.

The children simply think that they are learning some new songs.  As they sing Going Up the Scale, or go through the arm motions for Whole Note, Half Note, Quarter Note, they probably don’t even realize they are building a foundation that could improve their overall intelligence, while gaining an early appreciation for music.

“They are learning things at this age that I didn’t learn until I was a music major,” MusiClub creator, Jeanne Mayer said.  “Once this early window of learning is gone, it’s gone.”  According to an article in Newsweek, the window for learning music lasts until a child is 10-12 years old. During that period, a child’s brain is capable for far more than at any other period in life.  Numerous studies claim that exposure to music at an early age leads to better grades in school especially math, along with many other benefits. Mayer said that she takes advantage of the sponge-like brains of the children in her class, who are 2 to 5 years old, by teaching them the basics of music.  She offers classes where parents have eagerly participated.

“I see these kids getting smarter in front of me,” she said.

Mayer is most often recognized by parents, educators and children for her dedication, but the music world showed its appreciation on Nov. 14th when she was awarded a NAMMY (Nashville Music Award) for Children’s Music Recording of the Year.

Sean Impeartrice, associate principal at Poplar Grove School in Franklin, not only recognizes the benefits of MusiClub as an educator, but as a parent, he said.  His daughter, Hannah, now a first grader at Moore Elementary, has continued her love for music more than a year after MuisiClub.

Mayer gave her a solid foundation and something that Hannah will explore throughout her life.” he said.  “It was a very positive experience for her.”

Knowing the importance of reaching children at a young age, Impeartrice said he realizes that MusiClub already has helped his daughter understand math in the abstract.

Children ranging in ages from 2 to 5, who take Mayer’s classes, have no problem understanding the difference between one-quarter and one-half note.  It was just a normal day for Mayer and her cheerful group of budding musicians.
“It’s their job to learn,” Mayer said, expressing why she loves working with young children. “They love the fact that they know the are learning.”

Mayer, who is from Los Angeles, who holds degrees in music education with an emphasis in early childhood education, got her start in public schools.  On a friend’s advice, she made her way to Nashville where she began writing her songs, which she describes as singable for young children. Not only are the tunes fun for children, they have music lessons embedded in the lyrics.

Of course, Mayer doesn’t expect to change the world by teaching only the children of Williamson County and Nashville the joys of music.  She has her sights set higher.  She is in pre-production for her own television show she hopes to broadcast internationally.

“I would like to have my own production company,” she said,” I’m talking to producers and that’s encouraging to me.” Meanwhile, she will continue traveling to various private preschools to continue singing, laughing, dancing and teaching children about music.

Four-year-old Nicholas Tomlin has attended only a handful of MusiClub sessions and is already teaching his mother about music.  Not long ago, Nicholas sang an entire scale by himself.  Connie Tomlin, one of several past and present MusiClub parents, enjoys watching the fun, games and learning that takes place.  “He has already learned a lot,” Connie Tomlin said. “They say music increases overall intelligence. I’m anxious to see it.