6 songs that help boost your child’s brain

Did you know that music also helps in children’s development? Sounds are processed by the same circuits used for spoken language. Therefore, they help to improve speech. “Music is the stimulus that has the greatest impact on brain development; it forms, thickens, and augments neural networks in more than one area. Tonalities, arrangements, intervals in harmony, everything counts”, explains human development researcher Elvira Souza Lima. Versions of the same melody – sometimes sung, sometimes instrumental – are also interesting. Prefer those that bring quality chords: from nursery rhymes to classical music; from folk music to rock classics. Choose a song, or create a soundtrack to listen to with your little one. Below you can find some more sophisticated rhythms. You don’t have to avoid the “Galinha Pintadinha” CD. Listen to our suggestions between one track and another of children’s music.

1. Gymnopédie 3, by the French Erik Satie

Written in 1888, the piano pieces have a simple and touching melody. The tip is from Elvira Souza Lima, who guarantees: “There are children who listen to this and ask for an encore”.

2. Asturias, by the Spaniard Andrés Segovia

The Spanish guitarist is considered a master of the erudite guitar. His transcription of this flamenco rhythm music, originally made for the piano, became famous.

3. The Trenzinho Caipira, by the Brazilian Heitor Villa-Lobos

One of his best-known pieces, the amusing Trenzinho is the fourth movement of Bachianas nº 2 – it imitates the sound of a locomotive.

4. Invocation, by American Bobby McFerrin

The artist was born listening to music and is practically a case for neuroscience. He is a pianist, singer, conductor – capable of imitating musical instruments with his voice like no one else.

5. Celebrate, by Nigerian Tony Allen

This lively song is by the respected drummer who played with fellow Nigerian Fela Kuti. Together, they are considered the pioneers of the afrobeat style, created in the 1970s.

6. Azamane Tiliade, by Nigerian Bombino

The guitarist and singer is from a Tuareg tribe. This one is pretty hectic: will the little ones want to dance?

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