The Greek philosopher Plato observed that: "Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education."

It therefore comes as no surprise that when Kindermusik was developed in Germany more than 35 years ago, it was hailed by many as quite revolutionary.

When Kindermusik was introduced more than a decade ago in Bermuda, parents eagerly enrolled their children in Kindermusik programmes at the Bermuda School of Music well before their first birthday.

Today there are close to 250 children enrolled in the programme, with an even bigger waiting list of parents eager to plunge their offspring into the world of music. And with good reason.

Educators and scientists agree that exposure to music in the early years of life, and even in the womb, not only helps a child's musicality, but also helps develop the brain for higher forms of thinking.

Each brain, they surmised, needs to be stimulated slowly by means of music, language, security, co-ordination and concentration.

Researchers at the University of California studied preschoolers, divided into one group who took piano lessons and sang every day in choirs, and one group who did neither.

After eight months, the three-year-olds exposed to music scored 80 percent higher than their nonmusical classmates in spatial intelligence — the basis of complex mathematical and engineering skills.

So, even if you child is unlikely to develop into the next Mozart, music seemingly helps develop overall brainpower.

At the Bermuda School of Music, Kindermusik classes are fun, for both baby and parent, as parents are encouraged, if not expected to be involved in the proceedings.

The classes take on the form of songs, whispering, shouting, clapping, dancing, running, jumping, marching, clashing cymbals, sticks, xylophones and banging on drums and well as exposing young children to the delights of music and movement.

The Kindermusik programme's varied approach helps them gain confidence and to socialise with others, as well as appreciate their own gifts.

Music teachers also recognise that the Kindermusik approach helps babies and children to learn how to function as part of a group by counting out beats together, or singing in unison as an entirely natural process.

The programme here in Bermuda proved so successful since its inception that a few years ago the Bermuda School of Music was made an honourary member of the Kindermusik International Maestro Programme for being amongst the top 25 Kindermusik programmes in the world.

The exclusive membership is based on the growth and performance of the Kindermusik programme within any single year and is usually reserved for only 125 Kindermusik schools across the United States and other countries.

With more than 4,500 licensed Kindermusik educators world-wide, the Bermuda School of Music's inclusion in this elite list is certainly cause for celebration.