Why your children should learn a musical instrument?
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According to a study from Northwestern University published by TIME, kids need to be engaged in learning about music and directly participate in playing instruments instead of simply listening to music. The study indicates that even for highly engaged studies, small periods of direct engagement in playing a musical instrument enhance class participation and strengthen the brain’s functions. Music training is extremely beneficial for children of all ages, according to the director of Northwestern University’s Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory Nina Kraus.
Here are some additional reasons why it is beneficial for children to learn to play an instrument instead of simply listening to favorite music.
Enhanced memory skills
When kids learn to play an instrument, they are training their brains to store and recall memories effectively. This can be beneficial for children with health issues who need a healthy distraction from their pain. Learning an instrument can also be beneficial for children who are suffering from attention deficit disorder other learning disabilities.
A sense of accomplishment
A lot of time and practice goes into perfecting an instrument, and learning to play music will give your children a sense of accomplishment. The process of learning an instrument will also give your children the confidence to take on new challenges along with the persistence they need to reap the benefits of reaching an important goal.
Improved coordination
When kids are learning an instrument, their brains are working at advanced levels. Reading music is translated in the brain as the physical motion of manipulating the instrument. This allows children who play instruments to have enhanced hand-eye coordination which is also ideal for playing sports and overall motor skills.
Social and academic growth
When your child plays an instrument, they may be better able to connect with other children who have similar interests. Since being musically proficient enhances the function of the brain, you may also notice that your child will grow academically and become more motivated to study and enhance academic skills.
Improve math abilities
Even though playing an instrument is a creative endeavor, this skill can also make your child better at math. Music and math work together to make it easier for your child to recognize patterns and fractions. If you find that your little one is having a hard time understanding math, learning a musical instrument can help.
Enhanced reading skills
When your child is exposed to reading music, their reading comprehension can improve. When kids and teens read music, they are recognizing the note, how long to hold the note, which finger to use to play the note, and how loudly or softly to play the note. This can transfer over to reading and help children recognize context clues or challenging words.
A sense of responsibility
Playing an instrument requires consistent upkeep and practice. Not only will your child have to practice often, but they also must learn how to clean and tune their instrument. For instance, if your child is playing the violin or cello, you can take them to a strings instruments shop to allow them to select the strings and learn to care for them. When your child is responsible for something, it will increase the chance that they will take care of it and gain a sense of independence and confidence.
Exposure to history and culture
There is a deep history attached to music theory. When this is incorporated into music lessons, children will learn about different cultures and the music that was derived in various parts of the world. Exposing your children to different styles of music such as jazz, rock, blues, classical, or folk will help them learn about the past and have an appreciation for the cultural significance of the music. You can also teach your kids about history through music by sharing music composed during various times in history. This allows your children to have a greater appreciation for all types of people which will enhance their worldview.
When children become proficient in an instrument they will likely have an easier time finding themselves in a creative sense. Kids have an easier time expressing themselves when they are musically inclined and have a chance to sharpen their skills. By giving your child the gift of music lessons, you can give them the ability to express complex emotions and bond with others who share similar interests. This can help your little one foster healthy relationships in the long run.