When it comes to their child’s academic progress, most parents tend to focus on the traditional subjects, like English, Maths and Science, as key indications of their success. However, “the arts” are just as important for a child’s overall development, and most kids love to make a noise and move around. In fact, there are lots of benefits to music lessons in school, as they provide children with an opportunity to develop a variety of key skills and become more confident. I have teamed up with a senior school in Hampshire to explore the benefits of having music lessons in further detail.
This is a paid collaborative post.
Improved mental and physical functioning
By learning about rhythm and harmony and repeating certain sounds and notes on a musical instrument, children are able to improve their mathematical and pattern-recognition skills. If they learn to read sheet music, they exercise their memories and recollection.
However, as well as mental functioning, playing musical instruments is also great for a child’s hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and dexterity. The piano is a great example of this, because the person playing must read the music and then use both hands to play different keys. More challenging pieces of music even require the musician to use a foot pedal at the same time. Motor skills and hand-eye coordination are important for some of the most mundane daily activities, like doing up buttons on a shirt, so they’re important for children to practise. A great example of the benefits of having music lessons.
Patience and discipline
Learning an instrument takes time and commitment. It’s not always easy to master a piece of music, so young musicians must learn to have patience and perseverance, overcoming obstacles with a calm and optimistic approach. This also helps youngsters learn about delayed gratification; if they put in the effort now and stick at it, the results will pay off in the future.
If they want to take learning their instrument seriously, they must prioritise practising every evening, which helps them with their time management and organisational skills.
One of the benefits of having music lessons is that it aids relaxation
In most school subjects, children are told that their answers are either right or wrong, and there are so many rules and regulations they must follow. In music lessons, there is more flexibility and children are able to explore freely and express themselves in a more relaxed environment. This provides a welcome break from traditional classroom environments and the stresses of everyday life.
By focussing solely on performing a piece of music, youngsters are distracted from other things that might be troubling them, such as friendship problems, so it’s a great opportunity to calm their minds.
Having music lessons can improves social skills
When children are part of a band, choir, or other musical ensemble, they are given the opportunity to socialise with likeminded people who share their interests. They must work as part of a team, supporting their interpersonal skills. Music lessons provide an opportunity for students to bond with their peers in ways that they are unable to in other lessons, where they’re not allowed to chat or mingle.
Increases confidence
As children become more competent in the various skills explored above, they gradually become more confident in their abilities. What’s more, by finding ways to express themselves in a creative manner, they develop a strong sense of individual identity. What’s more, after performing a piece of music in front of others, they receive applause and praise, which further boosts their self-esteem. As such, they may feel more comfortable speaking up in other lessons and engaging in classroom activities, which can help with their academic performance.
So, with such a variety of important benefits, it’s important that parents don’t disregard music lessons and other less traditional subjects, as they can be just as valuable for a child’s overall progression.
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