The Benefits Of Learning A Musical Instrument
Does Your Child Learn A Musical Instrument?
It seems these days there are so many different options for extracurricular activities, with all sorts of different clubs and lessons available. Music lessons can sometimes be passed over in favour of things that seem more exciting. But learning a musical instrument can have long lasting benefits across the board, both academically and on a more personal level.
Here are 5 benefits of children learning a musical instrument:
Learning A Musical Instrument Can Help To Develop Physical Skills
Hand-eye coordination and motor skills in general can be really aided by the learning of an instrument. Instruments all require movement of some kind, whether that’s the fingers on the piano or recorder, or the arms such as with a trombone or violin. Some instruments, such as percussion, can involve the movement of hands, arms and feet. Instruments that require the simultaneous movement of the right and left hands, each doing something different, can help to develop ambidexterity - but they can also help children to become more comfortable in naturally uncomfortable positions. They can help with coordination and timing too, helping with other hobbies such as sports or dancing.
Learning A Musical Instrument Can Help With Academic Skills
Anyone who has studied music will tell you that it is actually intertwined with maths. By learning to understand beats, rhythm and scales, children also unwittingly learn how to divide, recognise patterns and even to create patterns. Learning this in a practical setting can make these things much easier to grasp in maths lessons. Music also helps to develop both short-term and long-term memory.
Learning A Musical Instrument Boosts Self-Esteem
Music lessons help children to develop a skill outside of the standard curriculum; they can easily see their progress with an instrument which can be great for their self-esteem. Perhaps more importantly, learning a musical instrument can help children learn to give and accept positive and negative feedback. Being able to do this without making it personal is a vital life skill.
Learning A Musical Instrument Can Help Develop Discipline And Patience
Learning an instrument is a great teacher of delayed gratification. For example, you might see famous violinists such as Vanessa Mae or Nigel Kennedy and want to play like them - but before you can even make a sound on a violin you must learn how to hold both violin and bow, how to stand and then finger placements and movements. Learning this discipline and patiences is something that can then be transferred to all other areas of life.
Learning A Musical Instrument Broadens Social Circles
It is good for children to have friends outside of those they see in the classroom every day. Learning a musical instrument can often lead to joining orchestras and bands, where children are able to meet a wider range of children from different backgrounds and in different age ranges. Group music classes can encourage group interaction, collaboration and cooperation which again can be transferred to other areas of life.
Learning a musical instrument is great for adding to sixth form and university applications - but it also has other great benefits, whatever the age of your child.
