What are the benefits of music lessons for kids?

Is your child or teen and aspiring Beethoven, Mozart or even a Katy Perry? No matter what style or genre, music is an important part of our lives and learning instruments is one of the most positive activities kids can learn that benefits them in many ways. Choosing an instrument, learning musical scales and practicing either alone, in a class, or one to one with a teacher is a challenging skill that can develop into a life long passionate connection with instruments and music and song.

The benefits of learning musical instruments are far reaching, they can help academic, physical and social skills and children learn discipline, patience and it will boost self confidence. If you are thinking of choosing a music instrument but are not sure, your first consideration is your child’s abilities and physical dexterity, costs, home environment and time considerations. Most of all you must consider whether your child is ready to start learning.

Musical lessons can begin at any age and classes are available nationwide with experienced instructors as part of dedicated music schools or privately with one to one tutelage. Here are some of the benefits:

How music helps your children’s brain

Research has shown that learning music actually improves brain function. According to scientific reports, when children learn music “their brains begin to hear and process sounds that they couldn’t otherwise hear. This helps them develop “neurophysiological distinction” between certain sounds that can aid in literacy, which can translate into improved academic results for kids.” Also, music and mathematics are intertwined, and reciting songs will aid their short term memory, and eventually their long term memory.

Physical dexterity

Discipline

As most of us has experienced, learning an instrument isn’t easy. It takes a lot of time, practice and cat-like screeching before we can carry a tune. It can be painstaking at first, but children are naturally fast learners who, as part of music classes and along with a group, will learn quickly while still being attentive to their teacher. Discipline and patience are key skills and aid in the common goal to create a harmonious piece of work in class.

As with embarking on any new activity for your child, dedication, motivation and patience are essential tools for parents in order to support their children. Classes can begin at any budget and depending on level of involvement. For more on choosing the best instrument for your child, please read our 8 step guide.