The Musical Child - Using the Power of Music to Raise Children Who Are Happy, Healthy, and Whole by Joan Koenig (US edition, hardcover) - 9781328612960

“Wonderful.”—Herbie Hancock A pioneering music educator reveals how music can supercharge early childhood development—and how parents and educators can harness its power.Since opening her famed Parisian conservatory over three decades ago, Joan Koenig has led a global movement to improve children’s lives and minds with the transformative power of music. With a curriculum and philosophy drawn from cutting-edge science, L’Ecole Koenig has educated and empowered even its youngest students, from baby Max, whose coordination and communication grow as he wiggles and coos along to targeted songs and dance, to five-year-old Constance, who nourishes her empathy, creativity, and memory while practicing music from other cultures. In The Musical Child, Koenig shares stories from her classrooms, along with tips about how to use the latest research during the critical years when children are most sensitive to musical exposure—and most receptive to its benefits.A gift for parents, caregivers, musicians, and educators, The Musical Child reveals the multiple ways music can help children thrive—and how, in the twenty-first century, its practice is more vital than ever.“We need music in our lives now more than ever, so that healthy minds and bodies can develop humane and compassionate values—just what music-making instills. There were statements in this wonderful work that brought tears to my eyes. I hope the decision-makers of the future will heed the message of The Musical Child.”—Herbie Hancock   "The Musical Child is full of sensible ideas to try out on newborn and young . . . you will probably want Koenig to move in with you to help with those games-exercises, from clapping to squatting to waggling legs in the air."—The Guardian     “A beautiful book, and one that is great fun to read—and which addresses an unmet need. Drawing from her experience as a music teacher, Joan Koenig gives readers the tools to make music with their children during the first few years of life. Her approach is accessible and her loving tone is full of the spirit—of optimism, generosity, joy, and energy—that music instills. I wish I could have been one of her students.”—Nina Kraus, Director, Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory, Northwestern University      “In The Musical Child, Joan Koenig helps get music off the stage and back into our bodies, souls, and families. Her examples and exercises are simple and easy to follow, helping any parent get in touch with this timeless gift.”—Silke Rose West & Joseph Sarosy, authors of How to Tell Stories to Children     &l