Nurture with music
“Additionally, learning to play music cultivates social skills in children—they must learn to collaborate and communicate with each other in order to play cohesive pieces.”
Why Music Lessons Are Important
As consumers of music, we all have our favorite songs and our favorite artists, whether they be Kylie Minogue or The Clash. We like listening to music that makes us happy, we like listening to music that makes us want to dance, and we even like listening to music that makes us sad. Even more rewarding than simply listening to your favorite songs, however, is learning to play your favorite songs. And even more rewarding than that? Learning to compose your own music. However, before you can become the next global rock-star, you have to learn how to play music first.
It lowers stress levels and blood pressure
Extensive research has shown that playing music is a great natural remedy that lowers stress levels and blood pressure (even more so than simply listening to music). And while many adults may feel the need for this, kids love how relaxing playing music is, as well.
It advances brain development
Many studies also show that learning to play music advances brain development, particularly when it comes to memory, reading skills, language acquisition, and math skills. A study at Northwestern University (https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2014/12/how-music-class-can-spark-brain-development) found better neural processing in students that play music compared to those that only listen to music. Simply put, participation in a music class of any kind can spark brain development in children, as well as increase their scores on IQ tests and other standardized tests. Learning to play music is a unique endeavor in that it also teaches motor skills: the mind and body must work together, in harmony, to create something beautiful. This is why music schools like Joyner's School of Music offers a Free online music program called Junior Jam Sessions. Children between the ages of 1 and 14 years old can participate.
Children benefit in numerous ways
Additionally, learning to play music cultivates social skills in children—they must learn to collaborate and communicate with each other in order to play cohesive pieces. Many kids find it difficult to make friends at school, and enrolling in band and orchestra is a phenomenal way to meet new people while developing mental and motor skills.
Learning music builds your character
Learning music also builds patience, discipline, and perseverance. Admittedly, a select few people are gifted enough to pick an instrument for the first time and bang out “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Unfortunately for the rest of us, learning music and learning how to play instruments can be a challenging task—but one that is filled with immense gratification (however delayed it may be). After a few months of hard work, anyone can play an instrument, and this feeling of finally mastering music is incomparable. It teaches children—and the rest of us—that hard work pays off, and often has great rewards.
Playing music is fun!
Finally, and simply enough, playing music is fun. It is fun to play it with friends and it is fun to perform it in front of an audience. An integral part of that fun is how rewarding it is to finally master that really difficult piece, and being able to flawlessly play it. Particularly for parents, watching your child perform in an orchestra or band is a unique and rewarding experience, regardless of how out-of-tune the majority of instruments may be.
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