5 Benefits of Music Lessons
While enrolling students for the Fall Semester and doing the #GiveTheGiftOFMusic Campaign I have received many inquiries about the benefits of music lessons. Many people ask questions like: Why music lessons? Do you think my child will be good at music? Why am I paying you? What is my child going to get out of all of this? Why am I making such a huge investment? How long will it take them to learn this or that? There are so many answers to these questions; however, here is my answer in no particular order: 5 Benefits of Music Lessons!
1. Music Makes You Smarter
There have been several studies that prove children who study music have a higher IQ than their peers who do not. Have you ever been around a lot of musicians, and had no idea what they were talking about? It’s because music is also a language within itself. When a child studies music they will instantly begin to learn new words and phrases that their peers may or may not understand. Studies also prove that children who study music tend to have a larger vocabulary and more advanced reading skills than those who do not.
2. Higher Self-Esteem and Better Communication Skills
I hate to say this, but music makes you popular. Many musicians are “the life of the party.” However, things may not have always been that way for them. I have taught many children that struggled with shyness and low self esteem, but music lessons gave them a new motivation about life. Every year I host 2-3 studio recitals with the intention of giving students an opportunity to overcome fears of public speaking and performing in front of large crowds. Normally everyone is nervous during their very first performance, but by the second or third one, I always have students asking me when can they perform again.
3. Music Encourages Self-Discipline
Children who participate in dance, sports, and other extracurricular activities normally work with a team and they have team mates. Unfortunately, with private music lessons, there is rarely ever a team of many people. There is the student, the teacher, and the family of the student. Because of the small amount of team players when studying music, young musicians are pretty much forced to develop a sense of “self-discipline.” While I do believe it is up to the parent to encourage a child to practice his or her instrument. No one can force them to do so. It is at this moment that the child normally develops the courage to pick up his or her instrument without being told to do so. In doing this, the child develops self discipline which will take them very far in life if they continue to study their instrument throughout adulthood.
4. Music Introduces Children to Diversity
While many children can learn about Western Civilizations during Social Studies Class, music lessons can be used to teach children about world history and diversity. Before playing a piece of music, I often give a brief history of the musical piece if there is any.Music lessons have been proven to encourage children to be open mined about the world and its many different cultures.
5. Improved Memory
Not all children forget to do their homework! Research has proven that children who study music tend to have a better memory than those who do not. In fact, 66% of music majors that applied to med school were admitted in comparison to only 44% of biochemistry majors (US NEWS). Remembering music notes, and playing music stimulates brain development which causes one to have a better memory and increased learning abilities.
So it doesn’t matter which musical instrument your child studies, just know that studying music will do something for your child that no other extra curricular activity can do!
Phylicia Hollis is a professionally trained musician, singer, and educator. She is a highly sought after vocal coach that has worked in various capacities of the music and entertainment industry.
