10 Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument
1. Teaches Patience
Playing an instrument means having to persevere through hours, days and possibly years of practice. Kids must have patience while learning to set goals. Instruments can teach patience.
2. Creates Responsibility
Most instruments take maintenance to keep them looking and sounding like new, giving kids something to be responsible for. Kids also learn to follow a practice schedule, whether at home or attending lessons. For example, if your child shows interest in learning how to play the flute, teach them the responsibility to regularly clean their flute with a rod and cloth.
3. Boosts Self-Esteem
Learning an instrument provides kids with an outlet to practice, listen to feedback, make adjustments and see positive changes. As they improve, they will build confidence and boost self-esteem.
4. Improves Reading Skills
To play an instrument, kids will improve their comprehension by learning to play sheet music, which requires identifying a note on the page and associating it with the pitch on their instrument. As their skills develop, they will start to read and play more fluidly.
5. Exposes New Cultures
Music is a reflection of history. When you expose children to music, you teach them about jazz, blues, baroque and even zydeco cultures. Through these cultures, kids can develop a greater appreciation for their instruments.
6. Enhances Coordination
Playing an instrument means the brain has to work quickly and efficiently. Kids have to concentrate on reading music and converting the notes into the physical motion of playing. As a result, kids can significantly improve their hand-eye coordination.
7. Promotes Math Skills
Playing an instrument is creative and often groups in with promoting a kid’s artistic side. But music also holds parallels to math, allowing kids to think critically and develop their problem-solving skills. Kids will have to count, understand beats, listen to scales and play with the rhythm, all of which are measured in numbers.
8. Encourages Self-Expression
Children who learn to play an instrument have an outlet for creativity and making their own choices, something which fosters self-expression. Music is one of the ways children can easily express emotions they may feel too uncomfortable or unable to talk about.
9. Increases Memory Capacity
As we age, it's common to forget little things. But kids can effectively improve memory skills at a young age by learning to play an instrument. Music teaches kids to effectively create, store and retrieve memories, similar to a workout for the brain.
10. Aids Social Skills
While playing an instrument can be a great solo activity, it’s also a way kids can band together and develop healthy social habits. Whether your child wants to start a rock group with their friends or join the school band, they’ll learn how to respect their peers as they listen to others play.