Music lessons have proven benefits for both adults and children, from improving concentration to the confidence that comes from learning a new skill!
It’s not just discipline and patience that are developed with childhood music education. Math skills are directly tied to those used in learning to play an instrument, an understanding of beat, reading music, and rhythm aid in developing abilities that will last a lifetime such as pattern recognition, division, and building a strong memory. The coordination and technical movements required to play encourage ambidexterity and improve fine muscle movement. Students who study music generally perform better in school than those who don’t. Music builds confidence and social skills, and provides a hobby that can follow your child throughout their life.
Learning doesn’t stop when childhood ends, taking on a new instrument (or furthering those lessons you took once upon a time) can have massive benefits in adulthood! The ritual of practicing and improving your playing provides a wonderful stress relief and creative outlet. Group lessons offer a chance to make new friends. Playing an instrument activates a variety of areas of the brain which- like any muscle- strengthen with use, helping to protect and enhance your memory as you age.
Further Reading & Sources:
“Music moves the brain to pay attention”– Stanford Medical News
“Music training for the development of auditory skills” – Nature Reviews Neuroscience
“A little goes a long way: How the adult brain is shaped by musical training in childhood” – Journal of Neuroscience.
“Music & Academic Performance” – Science Direct (academic study)
