Music is more than just sound — it’s the foundation of how our brains connect, grow, and thrive. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jane Bader, DMA, whose remarkable journey from marine biology and medical labs to award-winning composer and educator has led her to uncover the transformative power of music in early childhood development. Drawing from her book, Music for the Developing Brain, Dr. Bader shares how music shapes young minds, strengthens cognitive abilities, and lays a foundation that lasts a lifetime. Join us as we explore the science behind music’s profound impact on early brain development, how to actively engage children in music, and why these skills create a foundation that benefits individuals throughout their entire lives. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or music enthusiast, this conversation will leave you inspired to make music an integral part of life’s earliest moments.
- Dr. Bader shared her unique career background, starting with 10 years of piano study, a computer programming job, and two diverse careers - medical laboratory science and music education.
- How she transitioned to music education after becoming a parent for more flexibility.
- Her research in sequencing elementary piano music, which emphasized teaching sound before sight, which aligns with her observations and research.
- Her research interest in neuroscience and music education.
- Key discoveries about music and brain development.
- Importance of teaching sound before sight, comparing it to how children learn spoken language before reading.
- Discussion about her book, Music for the Developing Brain.
- Rachels share about her experience with college students without inner pulse.
- Importance of establishing an early foundation in music during preschool or toddler years.
- Why it's important to adjust our expectations for young learners.
- Scientific insights on music’s role in development.
- Active vs. passive music listening.
- Recommendations and practical applications for older beginners.
Links Mentioned
Special Offer for Podcast Listeners
- Dr. Jane Bader is giving away a free copy of her e-book. Listeners can send her a direct email for the free e-book at Jane@DrJaneJBader.com.
Today’s Guest
Dr. Jane J. Bader, DMA, didn’t set out to be a music teacher. In her first career, she performed research in marine biology, conducted routine testing in a blood bank in Alaska, and orchestrated the ins and outs of a medical laboratory thanks to a Bachelor of Science in cell biology and a certificate in medical technology. After becoming an award-winning composer, she earned a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in piano pedagogy and started teaching at a local university. She wrote Music for the Developing Brain to help parents everywhere share music with their children from the very beginning.
About Rachel Ehring
Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.
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