Where the Nuryl Concept Began
Nuryl is based on over a decade of R&D and academic research into the amazing ways that infant’s brains develop. We already know that brain synapses are created at an incredible rate from the time your child is in the womb.
To handle this over-production of connections, a process called Pruning selectively strengthens connections being used often and “deactivates” those that aren’t, which contributes to the brain’s overall efficiency.
This is all based on their daily experiences and continues for much of their early childhood.
During their first 2-3 years of life, babies “sample” (and file away) all of the sensory data that they encounter. When they experience unpredictable, complex patterns, they maintain their curiosity and put these patterns into “rules” that they can use and recall later in life.
Because High Information Music (complex, unpredictable patterns of sound and rhythms) correlates with the way that language and math skills develop, we became excited at the potential for this technique to give infants a head start in these areas that are so critical to being successful later in life.
Although it surprises many parents, the most profound period of brain development for skills like language aptitude actually happens between months 7-9 in an infant’s development!
Here is a graph that shows this Critical Window of learning in infant brain development.
You can see that a child’s language skills begin early and are assisted by their already developed vision and hearing. Also, note that their higher cognitive functioning is already progressing within their first year of life and that window will continue to be open for many years.
Clearly, it is important to take advantage of these early learning windows and set them on a path to success. The Nuryl curriculum is designed to give their brains the stimulation they need to maintain healthy and active growth
What is “High Information Music”?
Historically, parents play “soothing” music to babies – like lullabies. As we studied brain development research, we realized this is the opposite of what babies need to really simulate their brains and develop the statistical models that can ultimately link to mathematical, logical & linguistic skills.
We coined the term “High-Information Music” to describe musical compositions that are rich in harmonics and rhythmic complexity but also move in unexpected directions, keeping the listener interested in what is coming next.
High-information music generally comes from the spheres of complex classical music and improvisational jazz. In fact, Nuryl commissioned many custom high-information compositions/performances specifically for this curriculum. It is this type of music that keeps your child thinking and the brain connections forming. Remember that connections that are not used are pruned away and those that are used will be kept and strengthened. And if you follow up your Nuryl listening time with further learning (numbers, ABCs, spatial play…), their brains will already be “primed” to soak in that new knowledge.
Here’s an original composition of high information music. More than half of the music you get with your service is created exclusively for Nuryl.
Click HERE to hear more of the Nuryl curriculum
We’ve found – now with thousands of customers – that the results of these principles can lead to heightened attention spans, early onset of language skills, and longer-term gifts. You can read more about the positive effects of classical music HERE.
Here is Nuryl user Bowie demonstrating exceptional skills with his mom Melanie after immersing in this curriculum from prenatal to age 2:
Active Learning – Social Engagement
Nuryl offers a great opportunity for the parent to actively engage with his or her child. In fact, we’ve found that such engagement is critical to maintaining their focus! This is not a “play it in the background” curriculum. Results are most profound when parents “socially engage” with their babies during each day’s listening. This typically involves making positive eye contact, smiling, and emphasizing the beat of each piece (gently rocking to the music; maybe lightly tapping on the baby to emphasize that beat.)
All of this interaction during “Nuryl” time also serves to improve their communication and socialization skills. So not only does this deepen the impact of the listening experience – it is also fun and creates memorable moments between parent and baby!
Do You Like “The Details”? Here are some links to further explore.
Is Your Baby Getting Enough Music?