5 reasons why music is important for kids.
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Whether you want your kids to learn to sing or play a musical instrument because you’re musically inclined or because you’ve noticed your little one has musical talent, it’s important to introduce music lessons into your child’s life as soon as possible. In addition to your child learning a new skill, music has educational and psychological benefits that will impact your little one’s life well into adulthood.
Here are five reasons why music is important for children.
Music changes your child’s mood
You can use music to indicate to your child that it’s time to make a transition, i.e. clean up, get ready for bed, or enjoy playtime after doing chores. Music can lift your child’s mood and motivate them to complete difficult tasks. You can also play relaxing music for your child at night to calm their body and mind and prepare them for sleep.
Music makes it easier to understand academic concepts
When you incorporate music into your child’s education, it will likely be easier for them to understand language and counting. Music also helps your child recognize patterns in sound, which aids in their cognitive development. From the time your child is very young, they can distinguish the difference between sounds. Even when a baby is only a few weeks old, the infant can distinguish their mother’s voice from the voices of other people. When you introduce music early, your little one will learn pattern recognition and the progression of notes, which can make it easier to learn counting and reading during their school years.
Music improves coordination
If your child has expressed an interest in music, you can head to the guitar store to get them a small beginner instrument or order a piano so your child can learn how to play their favorite songs. Playing an instrument improves hand-eye coordination, which is an important milestone in child development. Once a child learns how to strum the guitar, play the correct notes on a woodwind or brass instruments, or play the piano, you may find that they are more coordinated when performing daily activities like getting dressed or brushing their teeth, and may excel in sports and physical activities as they get older.
Music helps develop your child’s vocabulary
When you sing or play music for your child, you’re exposing them to words and language, which improves their comprehension and retention of information. When you expose your children to music when they are babies, their brains are attracted to the music even before they fully understand the words and melody progression. Infants understand sound before they fully comprehend words, and it will be easier for them to learn to speak and communicate with others throughout their development and into adulthood.
Music enhances social skills
As your child improves their musical skills, they may want to become part of a band or music group. If your child is a singer, they may want to sing with other children in a choir or chorale or work with musicians to perform songs live. These interactions can improve your child’s social skills since they will be interacting with people who share common interests. When your child has an interesting topic of conversation to discuss with others and spend time rehearsing music with their peers, they are more likely to make friends and build lasting bonds with others.
These are just a few of the reasons music should be an essential part of your child’s growth and development. Once you notice musical skill or interest in your child, hone these skills as soon as possible so they can make the most of this valuable ability.