Singing and movement play an important role in our culture. You’ll find music in many aspects of our lives: theatre, television, movies, worship, holidays, celebrations, and government and military ceremonies. At home music can become part of our family culture – a natural part of everyday experiences.

From birth, parents instinctively use music to bond with their babies. Music can calm and sooth children, express love and joy, and help engagement and interaction. Parents can build on these natural skills by learning how music can impact child development, improve social skills and benefit children of all ages,

A 2016 Study at the University of Southern California’s Brain and Creativity Institute found that musical experiences in childhood can actually accelerate brain development, particularly in the area of language acquisition. But academic achievement isn’t the only benefit of music education and exposure. Music ignites all areas of child development and skills for school readiness: intellectual, social and emotional, motor, language and overall literacy. It helps the body and mind work together. Exposing children to music during early development helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words. Dancing to music helps children build motor skills while allowing them to practice self-expression. For children and adults music helps strengthen memory skills.

In addition to the developmental benefits of music, why is music important? Simply put, it provides us with joy. Just think about listening to a good song on the car radio with the window down on a beautiful day or singing along to your favourite song at the top of your voice. That’s joy.

At Gymboree we combine all of the above into a package of classes for parents and children providing fun, developmental music-based learning. Our classes help you learn about your child – how to participate in and encourage his or her development – while enjoying the simple pleasure of playing together. Life-long friendships are also forged at our classes.