Amazon.com Review
Don Campbell's reputation runs the gamut from serious educator bent on improving the health and intelligence of his audience to clever marketer, making a fast buck from specially trademarked pseudoscience. In
The Mozart Effect for Children, Campbell explains early on why Mozart's music is thought to have such amazing powers, and while he cites no statistics or studies, his lyrical explanations of Mozart's simplicity and elegance will have many reader's heads nodding in agreement--it's difficult to disagree with "his music is at once deeply mysterious and accessible, and above all, without guile". A few pages are devoted to descriptions of studies done by French specialist Dr. Alfred Tomatis, and "Spotlight on Specialist" pages throughout the book are an attempt to add a more clearly scientific feel. Still, most of what passes for science in this book is anecdotal and will not make a satisfying read for those looking for original research.
Each chapter is devoted to a particular age, from prenatal to mid-elementary school, and parents and educators can find excellent musical menus, practical suggestions, and entertaining games to play at the end of every chapter. The menus include suggestions for appropriate times to play the various pieces, as well as a brief description of the type of music, helpful in case you're not immediately familiar with "Adagio from the Divertimento" or "Concertante from the Serenade No. 9". Games range from simple variations on pat-a-cake to rhythmic chanting designed to improve memory skills, and parents will enjoy playing at least as much as their children will. Perhaps you child's IQ will magically improve from listening to Mozart, perhaps it won't. At worst, Campbell opens up a world of music-related learning for your family that can be both enriching and entertaining. --Jill Lightner
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"Parents, awake! Don Campbell is the Dr. Spock of music. With updated research and practical hints, every family can use this book to tune up the brains of parent and child alike. THE MOZART EFFECT FOR CHILDREN spans the arts into the deeper meaning of sound, joy and language for a full life." --
Elaine de Beauport, Ph.D., Founder, Mead School; Author, THREE FACES OF MIND"THE MOZART EFFECT FOR CHILDREN is a modern phenomenon, blending neurological and physiological research with vibrant testimonials and rare compassion. Children around the world in the first, most impressionable decade of their lives have found a true champion of their potential in Don Campbell...today's children, tomorrow's Mozarts." --
Karen Williams Romeo, Ph.D., Board, National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, Author of RENAISSANCE KIDS"THE MOZART EFFECT FOR CHILDREN is about so much more than music, so much more than teaching! THE MOZART EFFECT FOR CHILDREN is an invaluable resource to be cherished not only by parents but by grandparents, teachers and any professionals who work with children and their families." --
Marti Glenn, Ph.D., President, Graduate Institute for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health"THE MOZART EFFECT FOR CHILDREN provides decision makers in government, medicine and public health with a brilliantly written resource on infant child development and the intrinsic language of music in nurturing happy, creative and intelligent children. I loved reading the manuscript and found myself compelled to re-read sections, musing on the profound eloquence of so many of the passages throughout this gentle book. It is a classic before it is printed. Campbell's genius as a writer resonates in the gentle and yet provocative descriptions and data underlying the development of the uterine brain-mind. The story unfolds on many levels for music aficionados, blending music listening and appreciation, so that the general reader exclaims delight in the discovery of the intrinsic power of music in shaping human growth and development throughout the ages. A masterful story and authentic resource for everyone's library!" --
Linda C. Duffy, Ph.D., Executive Director, The Women & Children's Health Research Foundation; Board Member, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institute of Health"We need the tools to help parents and teachers to introduce, motivate, and help children--indeed, people of all ages--to learn through music and the other arts. Don Campbell's THE MOZART EFFECT FOR CHILDREN is a bountiful compendium of research, teaching, and learning strategies, and innumerable other resources that enrich and stretch the human mind, body, and spirit to new dimensions." --
Dee Dickinson, CEO, New Horizons for Learning
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
