Does it seem that kids these days are always busy, running from one extra-curricular activity to another?
It can be hard to know what to prioritize.
As parents, you have to consider what will bring your child joy, what will build their life and empower them, and what will give them lasting positive benefits.
If you’re wondering what the benefits of learning a musical instrument are, here are just a few to keep in mind:
Learning a musical instrument improves brain processes.
According to several studies, learning a musical instrument has a long-term positive impact on a developing child’s brain, from reading/literacy scores to an improved nervous system. It’s important to note that just listening to music isn’t enough to make an improvement; kids have to be engaged in the music actively for it to make a positive difference. This means that learning to play a musical instrument is a critical part of this benefit.
Additionally, a study conducted during the 2020 lockdowns measured how learning a musical instrument affects IQ scores. Compared to people who took up other hobbies, people who learned to play a musical instrument increased their IQ score the most (10 points, on average). So, at any age, learning to play a musical instrument improves your brain processes.
Learning a musical instrument provides a creative outlet.
As children are still learning to navigate all the complex thoughts and emotions inside them, they can sometimes feel at a loss for how to fully explain express themselves. But if they know how to play a musical instrument, then they have more tools to creatively communicate themselves.
I’ve seen this several times in music lessons. A child will walk in, weary from their day at school. Maybe they had a fight with a friend, or maybe they’re worried about an assignment coming up. At this point, I’ll direct the student to channel everything they’re feeling into their music. This always provides relief and pride–they’ve found a way to express what was going on inside without needing to say a word.
Researchers found that playing in a musical group, band, or ensemble increased children’s empathy. These children, aged 8 to 11, were able to “recognize and consider the emotions of others” better than children who weren’t playing music together. By listening and responding to each other, children develop their ability to feel out a group in a nonverbal way. The shared experience of playing a musical instrument will give kids confidence in their day-to-day interactions
Learning a musical instrument increases health.
Learning to play a musical instrument can increase health in a number of ways for young and old alike. Studies show that music can decrease stress and levels of pain, while also boosting the immune system. Music can help offset the damages of dementia or other memory-affecting illnesses. Finally, music has also been shown to help address mental health challenges, like depression.
Learning a musical instrument teaches discipline and perseverance.
Ask anyone who’s learning to play a musical instrument, and they’ll tell you that, at times, it can be a bit…repetitive. Practicing the same song over and over, running scales, fine-tuning each note–this is not what every kid pictures when they imagine jamming out on the guitar.
And yet, this focus and attention to detail build discipline and perseverance in students that applies to every part of their life. Whether it’s homework or chores, these life skills teach kids that they can apply themselves to small tasks…and reap the rewards! All that practicing leads to a killer performance, the scales make way for an impressive solo, and the fine-tuning creates a perfect tone.
But of course, the final (and most important) benefit of learning to play a musical instrument is that it will increase your child’s happiness.
We see the joy on each student’s face when they get lost in the music. We see their pride and confidence when they know they can play their instrument well. We hear them exclaim, “Mom, Dad! Listen to what I can play!”
As you make your decisions about extra-curricular activities for your kids–and we know, it’s a hard choice–keep in mind all the benefits that learning a musical instrument would bring your child.
If you’re interested in trying out a discounted, introductory lesson, sign up here . Our teachers are available in Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and Mesa, AZ.
Does it seem that kids these days are always busy, running from one extra-curricular activity to another?
It can be hard to know what to prioritize.
As parents, you have to consider what will bring your child joy, what will build their life and empower them, and what will give them lasting positive benefits.
If you’re wondering what the benefits of learning a musical instrument are, here are just a few to keep in mind:
Learning a musical instrument improves brain processes.
According to several studies, learning a musical instrument has a long-term positive impact on a developing child’s brain, from reading/literacy scores to an improved nervous system. It’s important to note that just listening to music isn’t enough to make an improvement; kids have to be engaged in the music actively for it to make a positive difference. This means that learning to play a musical instrument is a critical part of this benefit.
Additionally, a study conducted during the 2020 lockdowns measured how learning a musical instrument affects IQ scores. Compared to people who took up other hobbies, people who learned to play a musical instrument increased their IQ score the most (10 points, on average). So, at any age, learning to play a musical instrument improves your brain processes.
Learning a musical instrument provides a creative outlet.
As children are still learning to navigate all the complex thoughts and emotions inside them, they can sometimes feel at a loss for how to fully explain express themselves. But if they know how to play a musical instrument, then they have more tools to creatively communicate themselves.
I’ve seen this several times in music lessons. A child will walk in, weary from their day at school. Maybe they had a fight with a friend, or maybe they’re worried about an assignment coming up. At this point, I’ll direct the student to channel everything they’re feeling into their music. This always provides relief and pride–they’ve found a way to express what was going on inside without needing to say a word.
Researchers found that playing in a musical group, band, or ensemble increased children’s empathy. These children, aged 8 to 11, were able to “recognize and consider the emotions of others” better than children who weren’t playing music together. By listening and responding to each other, children develop their ability to feel out a group in a nonverbal way. The shared experience of playing a musical instrument will give kids confidence in their day-to-day interactions
Learning a musical instrument increases health.
Learning to play a musical instrument can increase health in a number of ways for young and old alike. Studies show that music can decrease stress and levels of pain, while also boosting the immune system. Music can help offset the damages of dementia or other memory-affecting illnesses. Finally, music has also been shown to help address mental health challenges, like depression.
Learning a musical instrument teaches discipline and perseverance.
Ask anyone who’s learning to play a musical instrument, and they’ll tell you that, at times, it can be a bit…repetitive. Practicing the same song over and over, running scales, fine-tuning each note–this is not what every kid pictures when they imagine jamming out on the guitar.
And yet, this focus and attention to detail build discipline and perseverance in students that applies to every part of their life. Whether it’s homework or chores, these life skills teach kids that
they can apply themselves to small tasks…and reap the rewards! All that practicing leads to a killer performance, the scales make way for an impressive solo, and the fine-tuning creates a perfect tone.
But of course, the final (and most important) benefit of learning to play a musical instrument is that it will increase your child’s happiness.
We see the joy on each student’s face when they get lost in the music. We see their pride and confidence when they know they can play their instrument well. We hear them exclaim, “Mom, Dad! Listen to what I can play!”
As you make your decisions about extra-curricular activities for your kids–and we know, it’s a hard choice–keep in mind all the benefits that learning a musical instrument would bring your child.
If you’re interested in trying out a discounted, introductory lesson, sign up here . Our teachers are available in Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and Mesa, AZ.