“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato
Music by itself is healing. Listening to it, playing an instrument, humming to a song on the radio, even dancing to it – it can pump you up with energy, relax you at the end of a long day, and even inspire you. What’s interesting about these behavioral characteristics is all of these apply to children as well. There is hardly a kid who wouldn’t react to music. For starters, learning musical instruments can do so much more than just listening to music can. Particularly, for a child to pick one up at an early stage can help them in every other aspect of their life. Today, we want to share some more widely-researched features of being in sync with a musical instrument at a young age.
1. Improves coordination
Playing a musical instrument isn’t like reading or singing. It demands mental as well as muscle memory. It draws a great deal of focus and concentration to get your hands, eyes, and brain to function cohesively to have actual music emerge out of an instrument.
2. Develops patience
It’s not like you see a piano, sit by it, and begin playing. It takes a long time before one can play a decent string of notes on it. Learning an instrument can help a child develop patience from early on. Learning how to wait till they learn how to play the notes, learning from the mistakes they make, watching other kids play, and knowing that they too will get there – all these factors are healthy lessons in patience.
3. Strengthens memory
Many grownups struggle with recollecting the simplest of things from the week before. It’s because most of us didn’t do much to work on it as kids. During their childhood days, they relied on homework and school tests to help with it. But with an instrument, kids rely on their memory to play the notes they learn to create music. And when they do it consistently, it’s like a gym for their brain.
4. Allows self-expression
A musical instrument not only helps a child create music but also helps them express themselves through music. It could be their calling but that’s beside the point. Even if a child doesn’t pursue music as a career, the benefits of practicing musical instruments can’t be ignored. Moreover, it could be a channel for their emotions and a rather simple way of communication.
5. Personal growth
If kids are learning music in a group setting, it’s a great way for them to learn social skills. How to work as a team, how to appreciate others, how to learn from others, etc. are what can help children with their personal growth in a social circle. It also builds confidence and boosts self-esteem among kids when they are learning an instrument.
6. Creative outlet
Music is one of the most sought-after creative outlets. Almost everyone can hum a song – however badly. But not everyone can pick up a guitar and play a tune. It takes a sense of creativity to learn to play an instrument. And when you do it as a kid, you are able to nurture and grow that creative side.
In short, by learning a musical instrument (of their choice), your child will always have an admirable edge!