There are many ways children grow up listening to music. For many, it becomes a big part of their lives. Some pregnant mothers play songs for their unborn babies. Parents soothe their infants to sleep by singing lullabies to them. Some toys play tunes for their enjoyment and allow them to make music with them, which aids in their cognitive development.
When they go to school, they socialize and feel a sense of community, singing along to nursery rhymes with their teachers and fellows. To see a toddler dancing with music is a universal language and something that human beings inherently love.
A great amount of research shows the wonderful effects of even listening to music on our minds. However, some studies tell us that it might be much more beneficial to learn to play musical instruments as a child. Because it engages all the parts of the central nervous system and gives the brain a total workout.
So what are these benefits for the children that are learning to play musical instruments? Read on to find out!
Increase In Cognitive Intelligence
Research shows that learning a musical instrument has a profound effect on the developing brain of a child. This includes increasing their IQ. Also helping in the growth of the brain parts that are responsible for language, auditory processing, and speech perception. It also sharpens memory, enhances concentration power. Also, it gives them the ability to pick out and isolate a particular sound from the rest of the noise.
In the case of playing piano and drums, it engages the child’s hands, eyes, and mind and teaches them to synchronize them at a fast speed. It helsp them to thus refining their motor skills and coordination. Also improves reading and comprehension because reading music teaches the child how to process and absorb information. On top of that, it also strengthens mathematical and problem-solving abilities because of learning about rhythm, patterns, and scales.
Learning the Virtues
The setting of a routine for young children to practice consistently requires a lot of discipline, which is an important virtue to carry into adulthood. Having to fit this set time for practice on a busy day is a good way for them to learn organization and how to manage their time. They will also learn responsibility by having to maintain and take care of their instruments.
On top of that, the process of learning requires much patience and determination, which are also good virtues to ingrain in children. It will also help them learn to believe in themselves when they see that they can achieve anything they put their minds and efforts to.
Stress Release
It can be therapeutic and relaxing to create music. When children face stress and difficulties, this can be a healthy coping mechanism in which they can have an outlet for their negative emotions. It is also comforting to listen to soft and soothing music.
Self-Expression
Playing music as a hobby for fun and coming up with your pieces of music improves creativity. This allows the child to explore and create their unique styles and forms of self-expression. Every child needs the freedom and means to do for their healthy mental development.
Exercise and Posture
Musical students learn from early on to keep good posture from their teachers so that they could hold their instrument and play it comfortably. This is important because it can avoid a lot of physical health problems later on. Alongside this, instruments are heavy, and holding them up as well as using them requires the use of the arm and back muscles, giving them a good workout. This exercise is beneficial for the body.
Social Confidence
Learning to play musical instruments in front of an audience requires that the child overcomes his stage anxiety and is at ease with them. Thus they become habituated to being the center of attention or learn how to keep themselves composed when performing in front of others.
This provides them with the confidence that they need with people. It can also help in developing social skills. Because playing musical instruments is a great opener for conversation with people. People might also see them as more likable due to their special talent and affinity, which in turn increases their confidence even more. It can also help them make friends who share their interests and be good at teamwork when performing with others.
Pride and Accomplishment
One thing that drives human beings into creation and action is the reward that comes with having accomplished a goal. Learning to play an instrument, a new piece of music, managing to achieve a certain level of coordination and speed… All of these things can provide a child with a healthy and necessary sense of accomplishment and pride in themselves, which is a vital aspect of emotional wellbeing.
Having Fun
Playing instruments and creating music can be very entertaining alongside all the great advantages it brings. Recreational activities bring joy and fulfillment to a child’s life. So playing music together can be something fun to do with their family and friends. If not for any other reason, it can simply be a pleasant and enjoyable time performing for them on a special occasion.
In conclusion, we have provided some solutions to help you while giving these opportunities to your little ones. Think about your kid’s skills and improve them easily by finding a special tutor. If you need some help, look for a private musical instrument lesson then sit back and enjoy the melody!
