My mother sang songs and introduced books to me as early as I can recall. I did the same for my two sons, both of whom are lovers of both music and literature. Both credit the association of words with music as a memory enhancement. My grandson, age three, has already been introduced to all the instruments in the orchestra, to the sounds each makes and to the sound of the ensemble. He seems to be advanced in his command of words and his ability to recall detail. He remembers the words to songs we sing and repeats them back.

While we probably all suffer from above average intelligence, I do not think this is any extraordiary achievement. I believe that music can be a positive influence on learning and should be returned to the school curriculum for that reason. I certainly claim no scholarly credentials in this discussion, but from what I have observed, there has to be a positive connection between music, memory and literacy.