For decades, music classes and education has been an important part of the school curriculum. Despite massive funding cuts in recent years, the benefits of music education have stayed consistent throughout the years. Below, we have seven of the best reasons to have your child learn an instrument. Some of them may surprise you!
It helps teach patience and discipline.
In a world where the average attention span is getting shorter and shorter, it can be challenging for children to learn how to put the time and work in to learning a skill. Having hobbies that require work and patience can help with this common conundrum. Plus, seeing their skills improve helps instill pride in a child, and teaches them the value of hard work paying off.
It can help your child learn social skills.
When your child plays an instrument, especially in school, there will be a social aspect to the learning and practice of music. In band or orchestra, you have to work together as a team and interact with others. This can help your child form friendships and learn social skills in a creative environment where everyone has something in common.
It helps them develop their individuality and nurtures self expression.
Once a child is comfortable playing an instrument, they can be inspired to create their own music with the instrument. Finding ways to nurture self expression is crucial at a younger age, as it can help build self esteem and a complete sense of self.
It helps teach children responsibility.
Playing an instrument involves a lot of responsibility. In addition to learning how to play it, you have to learn how to properly clean and maintain an instrument. It also takes dedication to learn all your notes and to be prepared for your next class or performance. This level of responsibility is great for kids, and the dedication and sense of structure will take them far in life.
It can open them up to fulfilling career choices.
When a child learns an instrument, they are being fully immersed into the world of music, and the many rewarding careers that go along with it. Your child could become inspired to be a band director, a private violin tutor, or even a music therapist. Music offers many different career opportunities that lead to a fulfilling life of helping others.
It helps with math skills.
At first thought, you may think math and music are completely different. But in a lot of ways, they are the same, and they use similar parts of the brain. When you listen and play music, you have to pay attention to things like time signatures, beats per minute, and chord progressions. This type of analytical thinking is also useful when learning math.
It teaches children about history and different cultures.
Music is something that is universal. It transcends time and different culture to create something that unites everyone. Learning music is also an excellent way to learn about different people and cultures. When you learn about another culture’s music, you are learning about them. This helps develop a new respect and understanding for other cultures and their differences. This is a valuable lesson that children can take with them into the world outside of their music education.
The Gift of Music Foundation believes that Music Matters, and that every child who wants to learn an instrument deserves the right to access one at affordable costs. That’s why we offer affordable instrument rentals to those who need assistance. Learn more about our ATI (Access to Instruments) program, and other ways we advocate for music education, here.
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