Discovering the Academic Benefits of Learning an Instrument: A Guide for Parents
As a parent, you know the importance of providing your children with the tools they need to thrive in life. You’ve likely already enrolled them in extra-curricular activities, from sports to art classes, to help boost their development. But did you know that learning an instrument can provide your children with a range of academic benefits?
There are proven academic advantages of learning an instrument. They range from improved memory and concentration to a better understanding of math and language. If you’re considering investing in music lessons for your children, this guide is for you. Here, we’ll explain how learning an instrument can benefit your children academically and provide you with helpful tips for getting the most out of their music lessons. So, let’s get started!
The Academic Benefits of Learning an Instrument
There are several areas of growth and development that learning to play an instrument influences in children. Numerous studies concluded that music is beneficial in all areas of a students life, including academically.
a. Improved Memory and Concentration
Learning to play an instrument can help improve your child’s memory and concentration. According to a John Hopkins otolaryngologist: “There are few things that stimulate the brain the way music does. If you want to keep your brain engaged throughout the aging process, listening to or playing music is a great tool. It provides a total brain workout.” This complex processing ability is key to building strong memory and concentration skills, which can be applied to other areas of life, such as schoolwork.
b. Improved Math and Language Skills
Learning to play an instrument can help improve your child’s understanding of math and language. This is because music is built upon a mathematical system. Instruments like the piano, with its black and white keys, use a visual system of math, while other instruments, like the violin, use a tactile system of math.
The more familiar your child is with the mathematics of music, the easier it will be for them to apply that knowledge to other areas of study.
Additionally, children who play musical instruments have been shown to better understand language. This is because musical notes are used to represent language in a symbolic way. So, children familiar with how musical notes are used to represent language will also have an easier time understanding written language.
c. Improved Cognitive Processing
The act of making music facilitates high levels of cognitive function, including complex problem solving, logical reasoning, as well as conceptual tasks. Research has shown that musicians have highly developed memory systems. This complex processing ability can be applied to other areas of academic success.
It is important to note that not all children will enjoy the same types of instruments. Some children may prefer to play the piano, while others may prefer to play the drums. Whatever instrument your child prefers, it’s important to find one they’re interested in and have fun playing. This will help ensure that they continue with their music lessons, which can then lead to multiple academic benefits.
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