10 ways music benefits children
For children, music provides many, many benefits. Experts agree,
there are lots of good things about letting your child learn to play an
instrument. Here are 10 reasons why your child should put down the
remote and pick up a musical instrument.
1. It will boost their brain power
Want to give your child a mental advantage? Music can do that. "More
and more studies show a correlation between higher academic achievement
with children who are exposed to music," says children's music
specialist Meredith LeVande of MonkeyMonkeyMusic.com. "Music simply
stimulates parts of the brain that are related to reading, math, and
emotional development."
2. It will improve their memory
Where did that shoe go? That's a question asked far too many times in
far too many households with kids. Help your kids remember more (and
learn more!) with music. "Further research has shown that participation
in music at an early age can help improve a child's learning ability and
memory by stimulating different patterns of brain development," says
Maestro Eduardo Marturet, a conductor, composer and musical director for
the Miami Symphony Orchestra.
3. It helps them socially
Picking up an instrument can also help your child break out of their
social shell too, experts say. "Socially, children who become involved
in a musical group or ensemble learn important life skills, such as how
to relate to others, how to work as a team and appreciate the rewards
that come from working together, and the development of leadership
skills and discipline," says Marturet, who also oversees the MISO Young
Artist program in South Florida, which allows young musicians to hone
their musical skills as part of a professional orchestra.
4. It's a confidence builder
Are there any areas of life that aren't enhanced by having good
confidence? Probably not. And if you want your child to develop their
confidence, learning to play a musical instrument can help.
"They find that they can develop a skill by themselves, that they can
get better and better," says Elizabeth Dotson-Westphalen, a music
teacher and performer.
5. It teaches patience
We live in a world of instant gratification, but real life
demands having patience. When you are playing in a band or orchestra
(and most musicians do), you have to be willing to wait your turn to
play otherwise the sound is a mess. That inadvertently teaches patience.
"You need to work together in a group to make music," says
Dotson-Westphalen.
6. It can help them connect
Who doesn't sometimes feel a little disconnected from their lives?
Music can be a much-needed connection for kids (and adults too!). "It
can satisfy the need to unwind from the worries of life, but unlike the
other things people often use for this purpose, such as excessive
eating, drinking, or TV or aimless web browsing, it makes people more
alive and connected with one another," says Michael Jolkovski, a
psychologist who specializes in musicians.
7. It's constant learning
In some pursuits, you can never truly learn everything there is to
know. Music is like that. "It is inexhaustible -- there is always more
to learn," says Jolkovski.
8. It's a great form of expression
People pay a lot of lip-service to expressing yourself. But how can
kids really do that? One great way is through the arts -- like music.
"It gives pleasure and expresses nuances of emotional life for which
there are no words," says Jolkovski.
9. It teaches discipline
There's this old joke that begins "How do you get to Carnegie Hall?"
The answer? "Practice, practice, practice." To improve in music, you
have to not only do well in classes, but devote time to practicing
outside of the lessons too. That requires discipline. "Exposing kids to
musical instruments is the key. They are naturally curious and excited
about them -- and the discipline that parents AND kids learn by sticking
with it is a lesson in itself," says Mira Stulberg-Halpert of 3D
Learner Inc., who works with children who have ADHD.
10. It fosters creativity
Above all, playing music -- particularly as kids get to more advanced
levels in it -- is a creative pursuit. Creatively is good for the mind,
body and soul.
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