Why Your Child Should Learn An Instrument At An Early Age
As a parent you want what is best for your child. Putting a musical instrument into the hands of a child, and giving them the proper tools to learn the instrument, teaches them the universal language of music. No matter your background, economic status, age, or country of origin, music is hard-wired into our brains as humans. By learning a musical instrument at a young age, your child can reap the benefits acquired from music lessons and develop into a successful tiny human. Read on to find out why your child should learn an instrument at an early age.
How can an instrument boost confidence?
Being able to play an exceptionally tricky song, or master all the chords on a ukulele, is rewarding and helps boost self-esteem. This skill is transferable to a number of life events. Increasing your child’s confidence prepares them to perform the lead in their school’s play, or give a speech in front of the classroom. Whether or not your child becomes the next Beethoven, they will have gained the confidence in themselves to tackle life’s challenges.
How can your child’s academic performance improve?
Children that learn to play a musical instrument do better academically, especially because studies have shown that math, science, and music are closely related. A research conducted by Shaw, Rauscher, Levine, Write, Dennis, and Newcomb titled Music Training Causes Long-Term Enhancement of Preschool Children’s Spatial-Temporal Reasoning determines, “the link between music and intelligence reported that music training is far superior to computer instruction in dramatically enhancing children’s abstract reasoning skills, the skills necessary for learning math and science.” When a child learns musical patterns, they are also learning the skills to better understand dividing fractions, or mastering physics.
When kids learn a new instrument, they have to utilize their memory. “Further research has shown that participation in music at an early age can help improve a child’s learning ability and memory by stimulating different patterns of brain development,” says Maestro Eduardo Marturet, a conductor, composer and musical director for the Miami Symphony Orchestra. If only you didn’t have to remind them to make their bed every morning!
How can an instrument improve patience?
Learning how to play a new musical instrument, like the guitar or the oboe, requires time and persistence. The first couple lessons will focus on proper posture and the very basics of the instrument, then move to learning notes and chords, and so on. This gradual process teaches a child patience, because there is no instant gratification. Learning patience at a young age will make a variety of life situations easier, such as waiting for their turn to play with a toy, or working for a promotion in their career.
How can your child develop socially from an instrument?
Being in a band or ensemble, even taking group music lessons, requires a child to perform in a team environment. They have to work with others towards a common goal, thus building the importance of teamwork. A group environment requires one to think collectively, to create beautiful music. If one person plays too fast or too slow, it can ruin what the team is trying to accomplish. This can be applied to sharing with other children, learning leadership skills, and appreciating the results of working together.
How can an instrument help your child develop physically?
When you learn an instrument, you are required to do a number of things simultaneously. Similar to patting your head with one hand and rubbing your belly with the other. Fretted instruments, like a guitar, or ukulele, require your hands to do two separate tasks. This helps develop a child’s motor skills and increases coordination. They will be better at running while dribbling a basketball, or pointing their toes while doing an arabesque.
Encouraging your child to learn a musical instrument will provide short and long term benefits. They will develop skills to academically excel and have more positive interactions with others. When your child reaches adulthood, they will understand the necessity of persistence and the confidence to combat life’s challenges. Set your child up for success by enrolling them in music lessons!
Sources & Further Reading:
Benefits of Music Lessons
Easy Ukulele Chords for Beginners
Top 10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Learn an Instrument
Complimentary Content
Amazing Benefits of Music Lessons on the Brain By B&B Music Lessons via YouTube