Because music is connected so closely with language, music helps in developing language skills latter on. Not only that, but music is older and more basic than any verbal languge, cutting beyond auditory symbols, stright to emotions and pure cognitive relationships.

Classical music, of course developes, and if played repeatedly to an infant, the infant will subconciously pickup on these musical developements (ie. variations, etc…). This will wire their young minds permeniently for some amazing abilityies in the future, from problem solving, puzzle working, to higher creativity, and beyond.

I need no scientific studies to show me these things, I have already proven them. They are real effects, I have studied these myself first hand.

Classical music is the greatest achivment of mankind.

I don’t know about the long term effects, but I do know that it does soothe them. Just don’t play any of those clashing banging songs such as the 1812 Overture.

It is just soothing to them. That is all.

i don’t know about studies en mass about classical music and infants but i did play various classical music pieces for children when my son was little

i bought a CD with ‘peter and the wolf’ (Prokofiev) and ‘carnival of the animals’ by sans saint for just a few pounds.

he much preferred the carnival one because we could practice doing all the different animals together right from the age of 2.

he is now 8 and considered very bright – so on a sample of one – it did follow that playing classical music to him – he was bright later on

but if it hadn’t been the case? well no harm done either

They say it makes them smarter, but I’ve never cared for classical. I always played rock, metal, and rap. My 4th grader tests out at a 10th grade level. My other 2 test out high, but only 1 grade above their level. All 3 were exposed to the same music.

I guess it just depends on the kid

It will make them more calm and relaxed. They say that they will grow to have an appreciation to music and will be better at maths. What I know for sure though is that if you teach a child how to read music at the same time you teach them to read a language, they will be better at math, they will have a higher level of intellect.

It turns them into minature Algores….or is that alligators?

I read in a magazine that it is supposed to make them 30% smarter. (I figure with him being his fathers son he will need all the help he can get! lol) So I have been putting headphones on my tummy and letting him listen to it, but the last month or so he throws a tizzy fit when I do. So I don’t know if I should still let him listen to it anymore either. It will be interesting to see what people have to say. Now that I think about it I’m going to go see if I can find something on it….I’ll let you know.

Fetal learning: a prospective randomized controlled study
D. K. James*, C. J. Spencer* and B. W. Stepsis*
ABSTRACT

ObjectivesTo examine whether prenatal exposure to a music stimulus alters fetal behavior and whether this continues into the newborn period.

Subjects and methodsA prospective randomized control trial was conducted using an exposure learning model in 20 normal term pregnancies. Music was played to ten fetuses via a headphone on the maternal abdomen. Ten controls had the headphone without sound. All fetal studies took place within 72 h prior to elective delivery. All 20 newborns were exposed to the same music on days 3–5. Computerized assessment of fetal heart rate and activity was documented and neonatal behavioral states were recorded. Nonparametric statistical analysis was used.

ResultsFor the first hour of study, exposed fetuses had higher mean heart rates (FHR) and spent more time exhibiting high FHR variation compared to unexposed fetuses, but neither of these differences was statistically significant. However, by the fourth hour the exposed fetuses not only demonstrated these two features but also exhibited more state transitions (P = 0.01) and higher FHR variation (P = 0.04) compared to unexposed fetuses. These effects were carried over into the neonatal period with prenatally exposed newborns manifesting more state transitions (P = 0.01) and spending a higher proportion of time in awake states (P = 0.05) when exposed to the same music stimulus.

ConclusionPrenatal music exposure alters the fetal behavioral state and is carried forward to the newborn period. This suggests that a simple form of fetal programming or learning has occurred.

apparently none of the supposed positive effects have ever been proved, i mean in serious studies

still, if you make a baby listen to some Mozart, he or she will clearly look more relaxed than if you have them listen to some violent rap.