The benefits of learning music for children has been a topic of strong interest for many years. There are a lot of studies which indicate that from an early age, children who learn music show advanced skills in movement and learning. But how reliable are these sources? Can your child really benefit from music lessons for their whole development?
Here are our observations, based on real life examples, academic research, and our own experiences through teaching.
Music Lessons Improve Your Child’s Overall Ability to Learn
Engaging your child in music lessons improves their mathematical skills, memory and introduces them to physics. As your child gains an understanding of beat, rhythm and scales, this changes their thought process enabling them to grasp division, fractions and patterns. They will learn songs which initially rely on their short term memory, but this develops over time, relying into the section of the brain which stores long term memory. Instruments can be a great way to introduce physics to your child. Plucking strings on a guitar or using drums for example, allows your child to explore harmonic and sympathetic vibrations.
Learning How to Play an Instrument Develops Physical Skills
Music lessons can improve coordination and motor skills as they require movement of the hands, arms and feet particularly when playing percussion instruments. Guitar, violin, piano, keyboard and other similar instruments require the left and right hands to perform different actions at the same time. This teaches ambidexterity and encourages coordination and perfecting timing. These skills prepare your child for more physically active hobbies which can include playing sports.
Nurture Your Child’s Social Skills
With the prevalent use of technology and social media, it can be argued our children’s social skills are slowly deteriorating. Music lessons can help improve this necessary skill. With group classes your children interact with their peers and for an ensemble to work communication is essential. Teamwork and problem solving are developed through music lessons which prepare your child for the real world.
Encourage Discipline and Patience
Learning an instrument isn’t easy at any age. Your child won’t pick up an instrument and instantly be able to play it. Children have to put in the hard yards through focusing and practicing their chosen instrument. Listening and obeying instructions from their teacher about holding their instrument and playing it correctly is a simple yet important skill. In a group class children are expected to wait their turn and show respect to their peers. This can help your child develop discipline and patience in other areas of their life.
Give Your Child’s Self-esteem a Boost
Whilst it can be frustrating initially learning an instrument with practice they will begin to show improvement. This helps your child feel good about their accomplishments building up their self-confidence. They will learn to accept constructive criticism and that nobody is perfect and it’s important to work on improving. This can transfer into other aspects of their life.
Explore a Cultural Education
Your child can learn about the origin of their instrument and how it plays a part in other cultures. Introducing children at a young age to other cultures fosters an interest which enables them to be open-minded about other values and beliefs.
Melodic Majors – Putting Quality First In Educating Children
The list above is by no means complete. There are many other factors which illustrates how children can benefit from music lessons. Like anything in life, as long as our students put in the hard work during lessons and practice, they will reap their rewards, both inside and outside the classroom. It is for this reason our teachers work very hard to try and motivate and get the best out of students; they are bound to see a positive impact sooner rather than later.