Music Talent (3:48)

We humans respond quite naturally to music. It begins at birth, and some even say – before birth. But certainly from our earliest stages of life we have an innate capacity to sway or wiggle with a melody. Just watch a baby who responds and moves almost instinctively to the music all around it. Dr. Steven M. Demorest, professor of music education at Northwestern University, talks with Rachel about our natural affinity for music and how we can nurture that love of music in our children. Demorest co-directs the Laboratory for Music Cognition, Communication & Learning. His research interests include cultural, cognitive, neurological, and social aspects of singing and music. You can check out Dr. Demorest’s article, “Stop Obsessing Over Talent – Everyone Can Sing” at https://theconversation.com/stop-obsessing-over-talent-everyone-can-sing-74047.

Fostering Creativity (14:23)

Up next on Worlds Awaiting - Rachel welcomes Dr. Richard E. West, professor of instructional psychology and technology at BYU. West has an expansive view of creativity. In the past, creativity was often seen as exclusive to writers, painters, and the like. But in today’s world – the attitude has shifted to include everyone. West shares how we can foster children’s creativity. Professionally, Dr. West researches how to teach group creativity and design thinking, and is co-chair of the BYU Creativity, Innovation, and Design group. In his personal life, he’s an avid reader across multiple genres, with a compelling desire to use literature to help his children become awesome future adults. 

Book Review (25:21)

We finish up the show with a book review by Echo Harris, who is majoring in elementary education at BYU. She reviews “Rain Reign” by Ann Martin.