As a parent, we all want to enrich our children's lives and give them the chance to experience as many things as possible and playing a musical instrument provides children with a host of benefits that can last a lifetime. Whether you are a parent or carer, learning an instrument should be considered an essential part of your children’s development and education. Here's why every child deserves the opportunity to pick up an instrument.
Enhances Brain Development
Numerous studies have shown that learning to play an instrument enhances brain development in children. Specifically, it helps build connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This improves coordination, concentration, memory, visual, aural and language skills. Starting musical training early maximises these neurological benefits. Even just a few years of lessons can rewire the brain for enhanced development. This makes music a great tool for both educational and cognitive growth.
Teaches Discipline
Mastering a musical instrument requires discipline. To progress, students must devote regular time to practice. This encourages the development of grit, resilience and determination as children learn to persevere through challenges. These traits serve children incredibly well later in their academic studies and adult lives. Musical instruments provide an excellent outlet for teaching self-discipline, which is beneficial for all children but it’s also good for those who are fostered with agencies like Orange Grove Foster Care, as they may not have been given the opportunity to learn an instrument before.
Boosts Confidence
There is an undeniable sense of achievement and satisfaction in mastering an instrument. With each new song or technique learned, children gain confidence in their abilities. This can be particularly empowering for foster children who lack self-esteem. Musical accomplishments also provide a sense of pride to share with peers, teachers and foster families. Performance opportunities, such as recitals or talent shows, further help boost confidence.
Enhances Social Skills
Group music classes allow kids to interact with peers and develop their social skills. They learn to work together, build trust and support one another’s musical development. For children in foster care who may struggle with forming attachments and friendships, this social aspect of music education can be valuable. Even individual music lessons still allow kids to form meaningful bonds with their instructors.
Relieves Stress
Childhood can be filled with anxiety. Learning and playing music has been shown to help relieve stress in kids by lowering the stress hormone cortisol. The repetitive nature of practicing scales, chords and pieces is calming and meditative. Having a creative musical outlet gives foster kids a way to express themselves in a healthy manner.
Opens New Interests
Once a child starts lessons, they may discover a genuine lifelong passion for music. This can open up new hobbies, social circles, career paths and opportunities. Music education provides enrichment that can benefit them far beyond just schooling.
Affordable & Accessible
The great news is that musical instruction does not have to be expensive. Most primary schools offer affordable group classes in instruments like recorder or percussion that just require purchase of the instrument and lesson book. Community music programmes and local freelance instructors often charge lower rates too. With so many instruments available from guitar to piano and reasonable lesson rates, the gift of music education is accessible for every child.
Learning an instrument undoubtedly enriches a child’s development. The benefits are numerous, long-lasting and well worth the investment of time and money. Music education deserves to be a core part of childhood.
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