Music, Psychology, and Motherhood
I spent ten years playing music by night and studying music therapy and clinical psychology by day. When I had a baby everything changed. Slowly, all of my efforts and talents culminated into one project that felt right.
During my studies in clinical psychology, I was taken by a class taught by Arietta Slade on different types of bonds a baby has to his/her mother. During that time, I had a baby at home the exact age of those being discussed; the material from class was bound to hit me in a personal way. We learned about what a parent can do to give the baby a feeling of security and protection, which allows the baby to feel safe enough to then go out into the world, in increasing spurts, explore, and eventually create new bonds with others.
On my mornings off from school I would savor the time with my baby, and found that the moments during which I felt most in tune with him was when I was singing to him, he was singing back, and we were smiling at each other.
I felt compelled to share the music and the knowledge I had gained with other parents. Now, when parents tell me they are singing more with their baby and smiling more at each other as a result of my workshops and CD, I know that indeed all of my paths thus far have converged perfectly.
Putting it all together – Tuning in to your baby
The benefits of music are intuitive. Music is a natural endorphin – it makes us feel good. It bypasses intellectual thought and directly connects us to our emotions. It can make us feel playful and spontaneous, and tender and soulful, sometimes simultaneously. It has been shown to lower stress levels, increase growth in premies, increase brain development in kids, and focus in teenagers.
Research in developmental psychology shows that the first two years of life are critical for a baby’s emotional and social development. How ‘in tune’ we are with our babies can predict the child’s ability to regulate emotions, cope with stressors, and create fulfill
Music, with its inherent melody, rhythm, and repitition, is a language that babies can understand from day one. It also has a way of organizing experience and enhancing it. Both you and your baby can use music to create routine, develop reliable patterns of expectations, and foster a sense of security – all of which help to create a familiar and loving environment.
What critics and parents say about Vered’s music
Zeke:
My wife and I love this album. We got it as a gift when our daughter turned five months old and it has been nonstop pleasure for us ever since. Phrases like “mama leave me be but don’t leave me” have entered our daily lexicon and I wake up every morning to my wife singing “good morning my love!” to our daughter. We intend to give it as a gift to many more couples over time!
Bump To Baby Gear
“If you’re looking for some fun and original music to enjoy with your little one, Vered’s award-winning Good Morning My Love CD released earlier this year is something you really should check out… The CD features 16 tracks that are best described simply as joyful and fun.”
Sarah:
Thank you so much for the incredible experience of being in your class. As a new mom, so many of the things I was feeling were scary and overwhelming. Your songs and your words made me feel every week that they were not only normal and OK, but also a very special part of being a mom. The songs give me the opportunity to pause occasionally and recognize how magical my baby is, and how incredible a gift.
LA Parent
“An enchanting album…this lovely CD comes with gentle lullabies and fun ditties, all performed with warm, soothing, yet inventive musical arrangements that will make parents and babies smile.”
Julie:
Thank you so much for the wonderful class. This is such a tender time for me (and all the Moms) and I really appreciated how supported I felt by your warm, thoughtful facilitation. It was also super helpful to get your expert thoughts and to hear from the other Moms too about shared experiences. Aaron and I both love your music.
Parents’ Choice Foundation:
“It may have been Vered’s studies in music therapy and clinical psychology that inspired her to create this album to support the theories she was studying. However, if you’ve ever experienced a moment of pure joy, then you won’t need similar training to know precisely what fuels this CD…with warmth enough to melt the polar ice cap, the love, understanding, and humor emerge.”
Jill:
From the moment I greet Julia each morning to our playtime and meal time and bathtime, right up until our last cuddle each evening, your music is in my head (and often coming out of my mouth, albeit off key! )
I hope my daughter will sing your songs to HER children some day. They are timeless and very special.
Take It From Me:
“This album is something special… Vered’s voice is beautiful. The collection of enchanting songs on the album tug at the heartstrings and leave you with such a peaceful feeling. The songs celebrate the wonderful aspects of new life and the joy that comes with raising a child.”
Paige:
My husband and I have been so incredibly touched by the magical, sweet, honest and funny lyrics in your songs. No matter how grown my son becomes over the years, I will always look back on this time with incredibly fond and sweet memories of listening to your music.
Midwest Books Review:
“Songs touch upon the delights of playtime, bathtime, sleep, and discovering the wonderful and ineffable connection between oneself and one’s children. Vered’s Good Morning My Love is highly recommended especially as a gift for baby showers or to brand new parents.”
Elian:
Vered’s CD is the soundtrack to my son’s first year. We got it as a present when he was born, and have been listening to it ever since. I give it to every one of my friends when they have a baby. It truly enables the bonding experience to happen. Each song is like a love song to your baby.
Cool Mom Picks says:
“If you too are looking for something lovely, lyrical, and fun-to-hear to play for your little one, here’s a wonderful CD by a kindie artist and music therapist… The real treat is Vered’s voice which is so lush and pretty, along with smile-inducing lyrics…”
