To a young child, music can strum the strings of a developing brain, tuning it for a lifetime of discovery. 

It's something Yulia Iskandar takes to heart when she brings her two sons, six-year-old Savva and eight-year-old Tioma, to SFCM every Saturday for their music lesson. "As parents we hope playing music will always be present in their life, in the future, in any capacity," Iskandar said. Both boys are currently studying piano. 

Tioma, 8, practices the piano at SFCM.

She and her husband both grew up with music and are continuing that tradition. "We hope they learn that practice pays off. When they do well it makes them feel happy and successful, the audience claps and they feel like it is very well deserved," Iskandar said. “This aspiration to be good and put hours of work towards a goal, that’s knowledge that translates onto all spheres of life," she added. 

Both boys have been part of SFCM's Early Childhood program for about a year, a program that is recently expanding with the new Smart Start curriculum. "Smart Start was developed with science-backed research to deliver the rich, developmental benefits, for all children, in their earliest possible stages of learning," said Keelin Davis, the Associate Director for Pre-College and Early Childhood at SFCM. Classes are on the weekend and run about 45 minutes in length catered to a child's age, from just a few months old up to age four. "Lessons are filled with fun and engaging activities that guide the child through foundational music principles while fostering cognitive development," she added. At age four and above children can then apply to the next level in the Early Childhood program. 

Children attend a class in the Cha Chi Ming Recital hall.

The positive impact of music education on a child's brain development has long been studied.  In neuroscientist, soprano, and SFCM faculty Indre Viskontas's white paper "Music for Every Child", the case is further explored and proven with benefits seen academically, socially, and emotionally as a child develops, in some cases even translating into influencing careers in adulthood. Viskontas' own child is involved in the program. 

"One of the great benefits in working with students this young is that these classes also provide parents with the opportunity to participate in activities with their child," Davis said. Allowing more time for parents to bond with their child through music, while also supporting their development. "Students develop skills in these classes that support their progress in studying an instrument either now or in the future," Davis added. 

SFCM launched its Early Childhood Program in 2021 and in just a few years has seen huge growth and popularity. "Many of our students enjoy performing for their family, friends or even their stuffed animals at home," Davis continued. "Providing an environment where students are inspired to share their music with others is a great success." Teachers in the program also note the changes in students' confidence even outside of the music room, "Parents often say their child has grown not only musically but also in how they communicate with their peers and other teachers in their lives.” Davis finished.  

To participate in Smart Start, no prior musical experience is necessary. While many students in Smart Start will go on to play an instrument, it's not imperative, as the curriculum is designed to develop a basic understanding of music and inspire young children. 

Tioma practices with his teacher at SFCM.

For parents like Iskandar, the goal is to foster a love of music in her sons and reap the benefits of their brain development. "It's pretty cool at their young age to attend this Conservatory and get to learn from the best in their field," Iskander said. 

But at the end of the day, she just wants her boys to love music and enjoy creating it. "We would like them to have a habit of picking piano sheets, be comfortable reading the music, and then just playing for fun," Iskandar added.

Learn more about SFCM's Pre-College, Early Childhood Education and Smart Start Programs.