Benefits of Music in Child Development

Every parent wants their child to be the best at anything they decide to pursue. However, every parent knows that the steps to reach this goal include many “trial and errors” and picking the kids up from soccer practice to bring them to gymnastics. A parent finds themselves under a lot of pressure trying to determine what “niche” their child falls in to. The constant running around and lack of excitement from your child may seem like a waste of time and money. With sports, parents understand the benefits it brings their children: being part of a team, physical activity, a sense of belonginess. But have you ever considered what benefits the arts could bring to your child? Something as simple as picking up a pic of a guitar instead of a baseball bat might be just what your child is looking for all along.

Read below to learn about the endless benefits that music lessons have on the development of a child.

Increases Brain Development

Studies have shown significant differences in the development of the brain in children who play an instrument and those who do not. According to a five-year study conducted by USC neuroscientists, areas of the brain that heighten as a result of music education are sound processing, language development, speech perception and reading skills. Other aspects of the brain that improve are your child’s math skills. Math and music work hand-in-hand when it comes to beats per measure, rhythm, tempo, and recognizing patterns. As parents, we value the growth of knowledge in our children. Something as simple as a half-hour music lesson a week for your child provides everlasting benefits to your child’s life.

Improves Social Skills

Unlike sports, where your child is ranked, compared and scrutinized by coaches, parents and fellow students, music education provides a judgement-free zone that encourages children to take risks and express themselves. For example, Momentum provides recitals where students are brought together to perform what they have been learning with their instructor, in a concert for friends and family. Your child may not be the next Beyoncé, but it is an indescribable feeling seeing them proud of what they have dedicated their time to, while having fun doing it. Recitals also offer a self-esteem booster. If your child’s rendition of Let it Go receives a standing ovation, you know he or she is going home with a huge smile on their face.

Development of Physical Skills

You may be wondering why playing a few notes on the piano has any affect on the physical development of your child. Well, you may be pleasantly surprised. Learning an instrument becomes a routine and almost second nature with just enough practice. When skills become heightened, it could be compared to mastering patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time. The combination of hand-eye coordination and timing provides a unique type of improvement in physical development. What do you know? The weekly piano lessons could help your child become the best soccer goalie on the team!

Creates Responsibility

This seems like more of a benefit to the parent who is constantly nagging their child to clean their room! Maybe providing your child with their own instrument, something that they need to tune every so often and practice with every week creates a routine and a sense of possession for the child. It may be the first tangible thing that they get to take care of, besides their pet hamster. Instructors give orders to their students to practice the music they were taught so they are not behind during the next lesson. This becomes an opportunity for your child to take charge and maintain up-keep on their instrument. When the child enjoys what they are doing, and genuinely love playing their instrument, you will see them mature and act responsibly right before your eyes! With a little luck, you may finally see their room cleaned without being asked. Wow, a miracle!

If you’re an adult and lucky enough to understand the importance of music in your life, then maybe this article is not for you. However, the parent that wants their child to be an Olympic star but is not receiving any positive feedback, listen closely. Your child’s passion is rooted somewhere deep and it is your job to find what that is. Many schools, such as Momentum, offer free trial lessons for all instruments such as piano, oboe, flute and even vocal! There is nothing for you to lose by giving music lessons a chance. If you read this, you have now understood that the benefits of learning music at an early age provides a world of endless possibilities. Life is a song, let your child sing it and play it as loud as they can. The love of music lasts a lifetime and the beginning of your child’s life starts today!