The future of our societies is not secured by armies or markets, but by the education we give our children. We all want to give them the best opportunities in this area.
As more and more people criticise the evolution of national education[1] and the impact of digitalisation on the youngest[2], and even talk about the disintegration of our institutions, many of us are looking for alternative methods.
From the Italian physician Maria Montessori to the conductor Jaques-Dalcroze, everyone has tried to incorporate early music education into a comprehensive educational project. It is no coincidence that early music education workshops for young children are finding more and more imitators, and that there are more and more introductions to music in all institutions, from nursery to kindergarten.
Away from tablets and apps on our phones, early music education is a path that more and more parents and grandparents are proposing to our children and grandchildren. ‘How?’ and “At what age?” are then the questions we ask ourselves.
At what age should we introduce our children to early music education?
"As early as possible", seems to be the scientific answer. A study by the University of Washington[3] found that the rhythm of music helps babies better internalise language and has an overall impact on their cognitive abilities.
Unesco even went so far as to highlight the effect of music on babies while they are still in the womb [4]. So if you are pregnant, don't hesitate to play music in the room you are in, and you will most likely feel your baby move.
So you don't have to wait until the age of five, as most conservatories in France do, to introduce children to music. Early music education can start much earlier. The good news is that no prior musical knowledge is needed.
Introduce them to music with the tongue drum
Although Mozart began his career as a virtuoso at the age of three, you shouldn't give your children private violin and piano lessons. With the tongue drum, you don't need to know sheet music or have an extensive musical culture.
Why is that? Because it is a percussion instrument that is played without false notes. It is therefore particularly suitable for improvisation, which is so important for Carl Orff's musical approach. In addition, it has an extremely soothing sound that will delight the whole family. No more squeaky strings and the shrill tones of the saxophone and trumpet.
The tongue drum, with its soft and precise tones, is the perfect companion for our children. Learning music has never been so easy. Getting started in music with a tongue drum is an amazing opportunity.
Its soft sounds will delight them. Its unique design, very child-friendly as it resembles a flying saucer, will make it find a place of honour in their room without breaking our budget. It is the instrument par excellence for the democratisation of music.
An affordable instrument
The reed drum has the advantage of not being an expensive instrument. Above all, it is robust. The reed drum is made of steel, the notes are played on slats called ‘tongues’ in English, and it can withstand the small hands of your children.
It can also be played by several children, either with their hands or with the same mallets used on the xylophone. If you thought that music was inaccessible because it was too expensive and with too complex a notation, with the reed drum you can now create musical pieces together with your children.
The musical revolution is in full swing. The reed drum now brings musical emotions to most people. A zen instrument par excellence, it will have a permanent place in your everyday life.
With the tongue drum, your child is guaranteed a joyful musical awakening. Its soothing sound without false notes will make it a favourite instrument for the whole family. Thanks to its small size and light weight, you can take it anywhere.
If you order your ZenaDrum now, you will also receive a carrying case, two bamboo drumsticks, ten pieces of sheet music and the ZenaDrum Guide in French. Learning is made easier with our online tutorials.
Start the music and ask for a Tongue Drum
[1] La fabrique du crétin, la mort programmée de l'école (The moron factory, the programmed death of the school), Jean-Paul Brighelli, Jean-Claude Gawsewitch éditeur, 2005.
[2] The making of computers, the dangers of screens for our children, Michel Desmurget, Sueil edition, 2019.
[3] https://www.washington.edu/news/2016/04/25/music-improves-baby-brain-responses-to-music-and-speech/
[4] https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-development/how-music-affects-your-babys-brain-class