The Mozart Effect is defined as the ability of Mozart's music to temporarily heighten listeners' spatial awareness and intelligence, to improve listeners' concentration and speech abilities, and to advance reading and language skills. This book provides information about the ways in which the rhythm and tone components of music can enhance children's development from before birth into middle childhood. The book focuses on the impact of music on brain and sensory development and social and academic skills. Specific exercises are provided throughout for parents to try with their children. Following an introductory chapter defining the Mozart Effect, the book is presented in nine chapters. Each chapter discusses a period of development from before birth to 8 to 10 years, focusing on neurological development, provides suggestions for appropriate musical experiences, presents information on particular programs or research, and concludes with a list of recommended Mozart selections. Included are discussions of musical instruction for children, the Kodaly method, Kindermusik, Suzuki violin instruction, the role of music in identity formation, music for stress management, using music with children with various disabilities, singing, Multiple Intelligences, the Orff technique, and the use of music to enhance academic skills of various types. Appended are reference notes for each chapter, a list of sound resources, and suggested works of Mozart and other children's songs. (Contains 125 recommended readings and recordings.) (KB)