Abstract

Dr. Woodward shares the results of several studies linked to musical experience of the foetus, neonate and premature infant. Her unique recordings of the transmission of music into the human uterus are complemented by the results of studies that indicate foetal response to music as well as memory of music from before birth. A further study indicates the impact of womb sounds and the mother’s singing voice on successful nutritional feeding in the premature infant.

Bio

Dr. Sheila Woodward is Chair of Music and Associate Professor of Music at Eastern Washington University, USA . She is a native of South Africa and earned her Ph. D. from the University of Cape Town and a Performer’s Licentiate in Organ from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Dr. Woodward is President of the International Society for Music Education and Chair of the National Association for Music Education (USA) Council on IN-ovations. She previously served two terms as Chair of the Early Childhood Music Education Commission (ISME). Dr. Woodward’s research focus is Music and Wellbeing, exploring this from before birth to adulthood. She has been awarded generous grants to promote international exchange programs, bringing South African musicians to perform in the USA alongside American students and professors, and she has directed numerous music education outreach programs in both countries.