PRINCETON, N.J., Feb. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- March is Sing with Your Child Month, a time to commemorate the importance of making music with children. The initiative, created by Music Together LLC a leader in early childhood music education, emphasizes that music-making is integral to development, supporting their growth into healthy adults

According to Kenneth K. Guilmartin, Founder/Director of Music Together LLC, "Five years ago we developed Sing with Your Child Month.  We chose March because it is a time that symbolizes rebirth, which reminds us of our most precious resource: our children. As parents and grandparents, we have only a finite amount of time to connect with our children. When we sing and make music as a family, we form everlasting bonds, which ultimately allow children to feel secure as they grow, putting them on the road to success."

Research shows the impact early music education and participation can have not only on musical growth, but also on academic skill development and achievement. Some recent findings include: music instruction can promote key school readiness skills; music education in early childhood can have a profound impact on developing the areas of the brain integral to reading ability; and participation in music activities is associated with child and adolescent achievement outcomes in math and reading.

Guilmartin explains, "All children are born with the ability to learn music from birth. And, music learning supports all learning by promoting creativity, personal expression, and social interaction. Many adults may not realize they can contribute to the enrichment of their child's music development, even if they don't consider themselves 'musical.' A goal of Sing with Your Child Month is to remind parents that it is not important that they sing perfectly; it is important that they model the enjoyment of making music. Singing together doesn't cost a dime, it requires no special skills, and it can have a tremendous impact on development in many areas — not to mention the joy it brings to families. The impact of singing with your child is immeasurable, and the rewards will help make the world a better place."     

Here are ways Music Together is celebrating Sing with Your Child Month:

• Musical activities: Visit www.musictogether.com/singmonth for family music-making activity suggestions from Music Together teachers, directors, and families. If you have an idea to share submit it to SWYCM@musictogether.com.

• Research and resources: Want to learn more about children's music development? Extensive links to articles, tips, and resources are at www.musictogether.com/deeperlearning.

• Giveaways: Weekly giveaways with music trivia will be hosted on Music Together's Facebook page during March (www.facebook.com/MusicTogether).

• "One Little Owl" Music Video sweepstakes: Share your family's lyrics to this Music Together song and be part of a new Music Together music video. Entrants have the chance to win a free semester of Music Together. To  enter: www.musictogether.com/OneLittleOwl   

• Events at worldwide Music Together centers: Visit www.musictogether.com/ClassLocator to find a local center and join the celebration.

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary this academic year (2012-2013), Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program for children birth through seven. The curriculum, coauthored in 1987 by Guilmartin and Rowan University Professor of Music Education Dr. Lili M. Levinowitz (Director of Research), is based on the recognition that all children are musical: all children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with confidence in the music of our culture, provided that their early environment supports such learning.

Music Together offers programs for families; schools; at-risk populations; and children with special needs, in over 2000 communities in 40 countries around the world. The company is passionately committed to bringing children and their caregivers closer through shared music-making and helping people discover the joy---and educational value---of early music experiences.   

SOURCE Music Together