Children are naturally musical. It's almost as if they have a sixth sense for music. Even babies as young as six months enjoy repetitive pitch and rhythm like clapping, slapping, humming, and hooting. And listening, singing, playing instruments, and dancing are great ways to have fun and be creative as a family. However, the benefits of music extend far beyond the sheer joy of making sounds. Researchers consistently link the study of music with cognitive development, school achievement, positive socialization, and personal success. The discipline of music requires children to develop attention to detail, cognitive organization, communication, pattern recognition, and cooperation–skills that foster success in all areas of their lives.