On musical parenting of young children: musical beliefs and behaviors of mothers and infants

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate maternal beliefs and uses of music with infants. One hundred mothers of infants aged between seven and nine months of age were recruited in Montréal, Canada. Mothers were interviewed on musical background, musical preferences, beliefs and uses of music with their infants. The results suggested that, despite changes in life styles due to modernization, mothers still use music with their infants, and singing remains the primary musical activity of mother–infant dyads. Maternal occupation and previous musical experiences, including ensemble experiences, were found to be determinant in mothers’ uses of music with their babies. Interestingly, most mothers sustained the belief that appropriate music for babies exist. Yet, there was no consensus as to what exactly is appropriate music. The results are discussed in the light of early parent–child musical interactions, musical development and learning, with some implications for early child education and care.