School is back in session! And with it comes all the activities that make our lives so hectic. We are all for getting involved, but we also understand the importance of downtime, so it’s good to help your children pick and choose extracurriculars wisely.
While we are right there with Mrs. Obama that exercise and getting out and moving one hour a day is uber necessary, we also side with Confusius, who was known to say that humans cannot do without the pleasure of music.
Our advice: make the time for both. The exercise benefit is obvious—and the music side might be, too. But in case it’s not, we are here to tell you the top five reasons it pays to sign your child up to play an instrument.
Studies have been conducted for years proving why it`s beneficial to sign your child up for music lessons. Not only is the beauty of music playing in the house one (well that beauty comes with time and practice!), but there are cerebral and social benefits as well.
There are some instruments that are more difficult to play than others and some that take more practice time to master. So, when signing your child up for activities, consider their interest, time to devote and patience. Speak to a music teacher at school and visit the music store (where you can rent or buy an instrument). That way, before you sign them up, he or she can see what it feels like to hold one.
5 Reasons Why Playing a Musical Instrument is Beneficial
Increased memory and cognitive skills. Studies have shown that children who play an instrument increase their brain capacity, especially reading, motor skills (reading music and playing notes with hands), and memory abilities, which will serve them well when studying for tests and recalling lessons. This effect has also been seen to be long lasting, so they might be able to avoid that crazy forgetfulness that plagues us every day!
Nurtured resolve. Most non-phenom musicians do not learn how to master even the simplest piece on the first try. Practice is key and practicing until your child moves past the stumbles and gets it right is a fabulous lesson in determination.
Improved math and reading skills. Plain and simple, reading music by reading notes, keeping rhythms and counting beats all increase a child’s reading and math abilities.
New cultural awareness. Many music programs will teach certain styles or pieces of music that incorporates musical history, culture and theory into the lessons. This exposure is something that children who don’t play an instrument typically are not exposed to.
Building team and social skills. Children who play in a band or orchestra have to work with each other to make musical pieces work. This musical team atmosphere helps foster social and group cooperation skills.
One more thing: If your child will be practicing in the middle of your living room, go soft like keyboards or a flute rather than a trombone or the drums. Good luck!
BDST: 1649 HRS, Sep-17, 2013
SIS/GCP
