Children’s bedtime scenes have changed significantly over time. There was once an era when children drifted off to sleep listening to stories, songs, or rhymes in the voices of their parents or grandparents. Sleep then was not merely about closing one’s eyes; it was a warm human experience shaped by relationships, touch, and familiar voices.
Today, that scene has largely been replaced by mobile phone screens. Many children now fall asleep listening to songs, stories, or rhymes — but not in the voices of family members. Instead, they come through digital devices.
Although the medium has changed, research shows that the importance of music in children’s lives has not diminished. Even today, music remains a powerful and essential tool for child development. It is not merely a source of entertainment; rather, it plays a combined role in children’s physical, mental, linguistic, and emotional growth.
The role of music in a child’s life extends far beyond joy. It strongly influences learning ability, language development, attention span, and emotional expression. When a child listens to or sings a song, they are not just hearing sounds. They learn rhythm, recognise melody, experience emotional shifts, and gradually develop the ability to express their inner feelings.
A report published by UNICEF states that music gently engages all areas of a child’s development. When children interact with music, multiple parts of the brain become active simultaneously. Listening, movement, emotion, and attention work together, making music distinct from other learning tools.
When children participate in music-based activities, such as singing or moving with rhythm, their verbal interaction increases. At the same time, communication with parents improves, which significantly supports language development.
Eight-year-old Tonny from Azimpur in Dhaka is a case in point. Her mother, Parama Das, practices music herself and regularly teaches songs to Tonny and three other children.
“I feel good when I sing. Music practice is very beneficial for children,” Parama said. “Through music, they learn new words, tunes, and rhythms. Music also helps reduce children’s mental stress.”
Tonny said: “I like singing songs with my mother. When I sing, I feel happy. Singing makes me feel calm.”
Child psychiatrist Dr Surajit Talukder believes that active engagement with music deepens children’s learning processes.
“When children actively participate in music — such as singing, keeping rhythm, or playing musical instruments — they learn sounds, rhythm, and pronunciation at a deeper level,” he said. “Music makes language learning easier and helps expand communication-related skills.”
Scientific research supports this view. Studies show that music strengthens the complex connection between the ear and the brain, creating a strong foundation for sound-based learning. Longitudinal research has found that music-based education can bring both structural and functional changes to children’s auditory systems and other parts of the brain.
When children clap their hands, move their bodies, or wiggle their fingers while listening to or singing songs, these simple movements help develop motor skills and body–mind coordination. Music simultaneously supports both physical and mental development.
A systematic review has shown that music education has a positive impact on children’s physical, social, and psychological skills. It improves memory, attention span, language ability, and social communication.
Kajal Akter, a music teacher at a private school in Dhaka, said: “We practice music with children every morning. Some children are used to listening to songs on screens, but singing together makes them more active. They not only listen to sounds but also learn to express themselves. Music calms the mind and builds confidence and creativity.”
Many studies further show that music activates multiple neural centres in children’s brains at the same time, linking listening, attention, language, and emotional processes. Music is not just about singing or dancing; it supports brain development and lays a strong foundation for future learning.
According to UNICEF, musical expression helps children develop language skills, relax emotionally, and improve concentration — all of which are crucial for future education.
However, experts caution that listening to music alone is not enough. Active participation — such as singing, playing instruments, or dancing to rhythm — stimulates various brain networks and creates a dynamic learning environment. It also helps children regulate emotions and build social relationships.
Despite the proven benefits of music education in Bangladesh, challenges remain. Some primary education institutions show little interest in appointing music teachers. In certain cases, decisions have even been taken to cancel the recruitment of music and physical education teachers.
These decisions have raised concern among educators and professionals, as numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of music education for children’s overall development.
Just as people use songs as a language of emotion, science now recognises music as a powerful tool for children’s learning and growth. Music is not merely sound; it helps children focus, learn language, build relationships, and train different parts of the brain to work together.