“Mommy, did you know male peacocks have the prettier feathers?” a child asks, eyes alight with discovery. “What? How did you know that?” replies the mother, half-amused, half-curious.
“We sang it in class! There’s a dance too! The girl peacock hides, and the boy one shows off his tail!”
This playful exchange captures the spirit of The Music Scientist, a Singapore-based enrichment programme that uses music as a springboard for teaching children science, maths, language and even basic engineering concepts, long before they step into formal schooling.
At its heart is founder Jeline Ang, who has made it her mission to transform how young children experience learning.
From science to song: Jeline’s unexpected path
Jeline’s journey did not begin in a classroom but in the world of science and engineering. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Building from the National University of Singapore. But it was as a parent, bringing her daughters to music and movement classes, that she discovered the power of music in early childhood development.
“I was simply amazed by the holistic benefits they experienced,” she recalls. This curiosity turned into a deep exploration of neuroscience and cognitive development. She found herself fascinated by how music engages the brain- how rhythm, melody, and movement can unlock not just creativity but also memory, focus and emotional growth.
That was the spark that led to The Music Scientist. Jeline channelled her scientific background into designing a curriculum where music is not entertainment but a vehicle for structured, research-backed learning.
Breaking myths about toddlers and learning
One of the most persistent misconceptions Jeline confronts is that toddlers are too young for structured learning. Many assume children under three can only cope with simple play or song. But her experience paints a very different picture.
“It’s truly surprising how capable these little ones are at grasping complex ideas through music,” she says. For instance, toddlers in her classes naturally pick up mathematical sequences through rhythmic patterns. They learn cause and effect by experimenting with instruments. They explore spatial awareness and body coordination through movement. Even abstract concepts—like emotions or storytelling—become accessible through musical narratives.
The result? Children not only enjoy themselves but develop a foundation for lifelong learning in ways parents rarely expect.
Neuroscience as the backbone
Every lesson at The Music Scientist is informed by neuroscience. “Neuroscience isn’t just an influence; it’s the very backbone of our curriculum,” Jeline explains. Activities are designed with the auditory and motor cortices in mind, aligned with the processes of synaptic pruning and myelination that take place most rapidly in the first few years of life.
Research shows that by age three, a child’s brain is already 85% developed. The Music Scientist leverages this critical window by offering multi-sensory experiences—songs, visuals, instruments, and movement—that strengthen neural pathways. What could feel like a simple dance or singalong is actually a carefully structured exercise in cognitive growth.
“Our activities aren’t just fun,” she says. “They’re thoughtfully crafted to meet developmental milestones while keeping children fully engaged.”
Transformations in children
The results, Jeline notes, are often visible within months.
- Infants and toddlers show sharper motor skills, faster responses, and greater confidence in handling instruments and navigating movement-based activities. Their rhythmic sense becomes more precise, and they grow more sociable.
- Preschoolers demonstrate marked improvements in language and clarity of speech, focus, and listening skills. Many become more confident and inquisitive, showing not just musical ability but also a deeper awareness of the world around them.
Parents frequently share stories of their children singing songs about Australian animals, identifying construction vehicles, or explaining simple physics—all introduced in class through music-led play.
Balancing creativity and structure
Behind the scenes, the programme carefully balances structure with freedom. Each class is built around developmental goals informed by neuroscience, but teachers are encouraged to adapt creatively. “How we get to the outcome is flexible and encourages spontaneous expression,” Jeline explains.
This philosophy extends to her teaching team, whose backgrounds range from early childhood education and psychology to music. They are supported with ongoing professional development, ensuring they stay up to date with the latest research while retaining the enthusiasm and creativity that make each class feel like an adventure.
A story rooted in family and Singaporean values
The Music Scientist is not just a professional venture for Jeline; it is also a deeply personal one. Her own father believed in her vision so strongly that he sold his business to invest $1 million, giving her the foundation to build the programme.
That act of faith reflects the values embedded in The Music Scientist: a belief in education, family support, and giving children the best possible start. In many ways, it mirrors the aspirations of Singaporean parents who want more than grades for their children. They want curiosity, resilience, and joy in learning.
Beyond worksheets: learning through wonder
At its core, Jeline’s philosophy is simple: learning should begin with wonder, not worksheets. The Music Scientist offers children the chance to ask questions, explore ideas, and make sense of the world in joyful, creative ways.
In doing so, it challenges the conventional boundaries between play and learning, between music and science. For Jeline, music is not a side activity or background noise, it is a key that can unlock a child’s potential and ignite a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
The Music Scientist centres are located at 80 Marine Parade Road, #19-01, Singapore 449269 and 300 Tampines Ave 5, Tampines Junction and #06-03 NTUC Income, Singapore 529653.
