Let's stay nice and warm

In this Music Noteook, we focus on the emotional effect of music on adults and children. We take advantage of the change of season to expand our repertoire of nursery rhymes about winter. Finally, we suggest new activities to explore the rich potential of the spoken voice.

The path of emotion

When humans are exposed to music, it has an impact on them neurologically, psychologically, and emotionally. Music affects us in many ways. It can calm us, bring us comfort, move us, awaken memories, and stir emotions. But how exactly can invisible sound waves traveling through the air have such an effect on our bodies?

One of the first parts of the brain to be activated when exposed to music is the hypothalamus, which is associated with the limbic system. One of its functions is to translate external stimuli into emotions. The statement that music is the language of emotions takes on its full meaning here. This is particularly true in early childhood, when young children experience their world through their senses and emotions. Even before they have acquired the words to accurately name their reality, toddlers are sensitive to the world of sound around them. They appropriate it and gradually learn to imitate it through a series of vocalizations, babbling, grunting, sound repetitions, crying, etc.

After reaching the hypothalamus, the seat of emotions, music stimulates areas of the brain associated with many tasks, such as memorization, language learning, coordination, and focus. Exposure to music at an early age therefore prepares children to acquire a range of skills. Similarly, allowing young children to explore singing and music in a free and relaxed setting enables them to develop or strengthen all kinds of skills in a fun way.

To learn more about the impact of music in the early years of life, see: Musique, musicothérapie et développement de l’enfant by Guylaine Vaillancourt, Éditions de l’Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Montréal, 2005, 186 pages.

Winter nursery rhymes

To mark the coming change of season, here are some nursery rhymes about snow and winter. Read them aloud with your family, over and over again.

A few games involving the spoken voice

As in previous Music Notebooks, we suggest activities for you to enjoy with your family. This time, we invite you to explore the rich potential of the spoken voice. We sometimes forget it, but the spoken voice is highly musical, as evidenced by its flow, intonation, pauses, cadence, use of low or high registers, and use of stress.

The following activities are ideal for people who are shy about singing.

Like animals

Choose an animal and, without thinking too much about it, speak spontaneously in a voice that represents the characteristics of that animal. Draw inspiration from the animal’s size, movement, and habits for your imitation. For example:

  • For an elephant, use a low voice and slow rhythm to echo its weight and heaviness.
  • For a squirrel, use a high-pitched voice and a fast pace, echoing its lightness and nervous nature.
  • For a snake, use a slow pace and low volume, while letting a lot of air flow through your voice.
  • For the lion, use a deep, strong voice and a slow rhythm.

You can also take the game further and have fun laughing or sneezing with the animal’s voice.

Intonations

First, choose a name, a word, or a short phrase. Repeat the same word or phrase, varying the intonation. (You can add onomatopoeia to help you before saying the word or phrase.)

  • Interrogative tone: “Beatrice?” “
  • Surprised tone: “Beatrice!” (onomatopoeia: “oh!” or “ih!”)
  • Frightened tone: “BE-A-TRICE!” (onomatopoeia: “AH!”)
  • Hesitant tone: “Be…a…trice…” (onomatopoeia: “eh”)

We will see you in a month for another winter Music Notebook!