Recently, I was delighted to receive the 2010 KIDLUTIONS PREFERRED PRODUCT AWARD for my 6 children’s music CDs. The reviewers were looking for products that develop emotional intelligence, as well as being entertaining. As a composer and educator, I believe that the WORDS in each song need to be purposeful and consciously written. Words go into the delicate soul of the child, and make a difference. Words have an energy, positive or negative, and although typical children’s songs are important to know, it is also good to expand children’s repertoire. When you look for music for children, look for products that not only entertain, but also build character, self-esteem, awareness, manners, cooperation, love, unity, friendship, tolerance, anti-bullying, sharing, inclusion, effective communication, conflict-resolution, multi-cultural celebration… all within a “One Planet, One World” philosophy. After over 25 years as a performing artist and educator, it is still amazing to me how much music can make a difference:
3 REAL STORIES: I sang at a 5 year old birthday party recently, and the mom and dad of the birthday boy were nice enough to purchase my CDs as party favors. Two great outcomes of this party: Due to the magic of music, the wonderful birthday boy transcended his shyness and became totally absorbed with singing, storytelling, movement and leading the birthday parade.
One of his friends who attended the party and received my CD as a party favor listened to the CD night and day! He awoke the next morning being able to sing every single song…songs he never had known before…even the songs that were in different languages! His parents also mentioned that his behavior shifted for the better ever since music touched his body, mind and spirit…AND his emotional intelligence.
One more story: At a recent nursery school event, the babies entered screaming on top of their lungs…”oh dear,” I thought, “How am I going to do this?” Suddenly it occurred to me to sing one of the lullabies I had just composed that morning. Miraculously, the sobbing stopped. There was only peace in the room, filled with soothed and non-crying children who had the light of music surrounding them.
Provide children the gift of meaningful music that builds emotional intelligence, and you will have given a profound gift that can last forever in its positive ripple effect for the child, and for our world. Cheryl Melody www.cherylmelody.com