Praise for Music for the Developing Brain
“Dr. Bader has created an engaging and valuable tool for parents to enhance their young child's brain development through music. And no music background is necessary to use this excellent resource."
—Laury Christie, MM, Distinguished Emerita Professor of Music, University of South Carolina
"A highly practical guide to helping children connect with vital aspects of music and music-making in a natural and fun way. Sound pedagogical principles relating to sequential learning—as well as to such fundamental musical concepts as pitch and rhythm—lay important groundwork for future study. This is an invaluable resource for all who are interested in nurturing their child's innate propensity toward music comprehension and enjoyment."
—Stephen Taylor, DMA, Former Music Department Chair of the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities
"Dr. Bader provides an engaging approach to fostering musical growth as a comfortable and natural part of a child's development...This accessible book allows parents to support their children and learn alongside them with step-by-step guidance. Parents who may already be engaging in similar activities with their babies and toddlers can learn how being more intentional in their musical/rhythmic playtime can reap lasting benefits while helping to form warm parent-child relationships."
—Deborah A. Ruth, BM, NCTM, Owner & Instructor of Ruth Piano Studio in Lexington, South Carolina
"As an educator of elementary school children for over a quarter of a century with no music education or training, I found this book engaging, clear to understand, and easy to implement. I highly recommend this asset for classroom teachers and homeschooling parents who want to enrich their curriculum with sound musical principles."
—Mary Ann Wheeler, MEd in Administration and Supervision, Former Principal
"Music for the Developing Brain makes the science of brain development affordable and practical to parents, teachers, and caregivers. Dr. Bader takes complex research in neuroscience and translates it into everyday, joyful activities; her program incorporates music as part of natural parenting, teaching, and learning together with young children. Please read her introduction—you'll be fascinated and want to learn more."
—Janet Watkins Jendron, Board President, Nurturings.org
"Dr. Bader's time, experience, and big heart were put into this book, and every page shows her love for music. Coming from a musical background and being the father of four young children, this book has given me guidelines to teach my children the joy of having music in our lives."
—Nick Ruggiero, DMD, Prosthodontist and father of four young children
"Dr. Bader's book is a delightful approach to introducing music to babies (even prenatally) and young children...If music is indeed the 'universal language,' we all benefit when families see the importance of having music and art in our lives...I highly recommend this book."
—Barbara Nicholson, MEd, CEIM, Co-Founder of Nurturings.org, Co-Author of Attached At The Heart: Eight Principles to Raising Connected and Compassionate Children
"In the over thirty years that I have known Dr. Bader, I have watched her dedication to improving the ease with which children can play and enjoy music. She is absolutely passionate and committed to sharing her expertise with all those who are invested in children and actually making the process fun and easy."
—Patricia Cannon, MSN, RN, Vice President of HIS International, Inc.
"Dr. Bader has developed a fascinating and fun approach to teaching musical concepts to preschoolers—and the teacher doesn't have to be a trained musician or educator! This could be a very valuable and popular resource."
—Gordon (Dick) Goodwin, DMA, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Composition at The University of South Carolina
"Music can have a significant impact on brain health at any age but can be intimidating for those of us who do not feel musically inclined ourselves. Dr. Bader makes the neuroscience of music accessible to everyone, incorporating music lessons into caregivers' routines and providing resources that will engage a young child for years. This will be my go-to gift for all new parents!"
—Corinna Lathan, PhD, Neuroscientist, Tech Entrepreneur, and Author of Inventing The Future: Stories From A Techno-Optimist
"Research has held fascination and now long acknowledged the invaluable and near limitless potential of educational pursuits in the earliest stages of life. Dr. Bader's Music for the Developing Brain: A Simple, At-Home Program offers a comprehensive and masterfully-sequenced resource to nurture one of the most meaningful and treasured achievements known to man: musicianship. Reading with the ease and interest of a novel, and yet with the substantive content of scientific data, professionals as well as those with no previous musical experience will find invaluable methods that invite exhilarating means to achieve abilities and deepen appreciation for one of the most blessed gifts this side of heaven. With respect and appreciation for this unquestionable labor of love, I offer my highest recommendation to all for this masterwork."
—Ann Barnes Wilson, DMA, 2023 Inductee to The Steinway Teacher Hall Of Fame
“Music for the Developing Brain’s insightful psychological perspective will guide students of all ages…whether your goal is mastering performance, teaching, or learning the art of improvisation.”
—Nando Pelusi, PhD, CBT Clinical Psychologist and Professional Musician
“I wish I had a book like this when my children were little!”
—Tijana Coso, EFT Expert and Amazon bestselling Author of The Tapping Tool: A Guide for Outsmarting Stress and Bringing Your Thinking Brain Back Online
"Learning the basics of music can feel intimidating at first, both for parents and children alike. How do you engage your kids in a way that is both fun and accessible? Where do you even begin? Music for the Developing Brain replaces that all-too-common uncertainty with easy, everyday activities that any family can practice-even if you don't have a musical instrument. A must-have learning tool for any parent hoping to instill a love of music in their children!"
—Chas Hoppe, MA, Writer, Editor, and Book Coach, Founder of Cape and Cowl Media; father of two music-loving children
"In Music for the Developing Brain, Dr. Jane Bader has written a charming, joyful, and enlightening book that helps adults teach children about the wonders and beauty of music. This book is a gift that will enrich the households of many families. It shows how all of us can introduce music into the lives of youngsters in a fun and easy way."
—Edward Conley, Dad, Grandfather, Uncle, Author of Promote The Dog Sitter: And Other Principles for Leading during Disasters
"Music for the Developing Brain is an excellent resource for parents who realize that helping their young children learn music can greatly enhance their development- mentally, physically, academically and socially. Dr. Bader's brilliant step-by-step book and fabulous accompanying website affordably) empower parents-even without having previously received music training themselves-to easily guide the development of their children's natural musical abilities from before birth through about age 5 or 6."
—Elvis Jendy, BA in Music Performance from The College of New Jersey [TCNJ]
“So many parents intuitively sing, dance, and play music games with their children from infancy. This book offers guidance to grow these natural activities for babies into musical knowledge for children as they develop. Dr. Bader advises parents step-by-step how to apply a wise sequence of concepts based on early childhood experiences and understanding to encourage musical growth. Furthermore, parents can enjoy expanding their own music creativity along with their children through the activities covered in Bader’s book and website.”
—Bonny H. Miller, PhD, NCTM, Author, Augusta Browne: Composer and Woman of Letters in Nineteenth-Century America
"At the core of Dr. Jane Bader's teaching is the truth that being human means being musical. Through her book, she helps us discover that each person has innate senses of rhythm and pitch... by tapping into these universal senses throughout, Dr. Bader is able to teach anyone how to make music, from infants to elders. With this beautiful guide, parents and children can go on a musical journey together."
—Emily Gindlesparger, WSJ Bestselling Book Coach, Author of Please Make Me Love Me
"This is a great guide to teach music to those I previously thought too young. Turns out even the unborn can recognize a tune! Maybe not a tune but there's musical activity in even the youngest brains. Now you can begin that early learning and engage with your child in fun new ways. Dr. Bader has a lot to offer, and she makes it easily accessible to the reader."
—James Baker, Author of Live Forever and Fix Everything
"This book empowers parents and teachers to introduce and encourage music in a way that enhances brain development and provides a long-term cognitive benefit to the child. Dr. Bader's system is well-researched, easy to follow, and fun-the Cake Rhythms are my favorite! The book includes clear examples, helpful graphics, and additional content on the accompanying website.
—Laura Cail, Former Infant and Toddler Teacher, Retired Attorney, Solopreneur Of Transformations
"Music for the Developing Brain is an invaluable resource for parents and educators, (seeking to integrate learning into a child's normal growth and development... it offers a comprehensive learning process, engaging activities, and access to an enchanting ( website that will inspire and delight both children and adults alike. Embrace the joy of music and unlock your child's full potential with this remarkable resource.”
—Lucia da Vinci, B.A., MSc. Founder of Learnificent
"A wonderful book for parents and caregivers to encourage music concepts in babies and young children. Dr. Bader knows from experience with her, own family and others how important it is to encourage musical concepts early in life. All these sequential ideas are wonderful as well as lots of fun! Early in the book, she tells about the relationship of music and the brain. Children who experience music concepts early excel academically, build their social and physical development early as well as their personal development. Don't wait; start the adventure!"
—Mrs. Joey Rothfuss, BME, NCTM, Joey Rothfuss Music Studio