I’m sure we can all agree that getting your child to learn an instrument has benefits. It’s great for learning, future college applications, and to, you know, impress other parents. But new research—which actually sounds legit, considering how many big words and concepts go over my head—talks about the scientific benefits of studying music. In fact, it teaches how to learn better.
Engaging with music increases neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and change over the course of one’s life—and enables nervous system to provide “stable scaffolding of meaning patterns so important to learning.”
It also helps communication skills, not just with music, but in all aural forms, thanks to increased sound-to-meaning connections in the brain. And for kids with learning disorders, particularly those vulnerable to the effects of background noise, music training can strengthen those neural processes that affect their development, especially in children with dyslexia or have trouble hearing.
So there. Even more reasons for kids to learn music!
Do your kids play an instrument?
From Science Daily. Photo by Ernst Vikne.
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The main correlation I remembered was that music was supposed to really help with math skills. We're finally getting some piano lessons going this year – I think they have a lot of value even outside of the side benefits. I tried to teach my kid, but with my work schedule and the general distractedness common to smaller children, it was hard. (Add in the fact that there was always the desire to "skip ahead" and not learn the basics and the lessons were even harder.)
Hoping this year goes well. I think we'll have a lot of fun with it. Just have to get the piano tuned first.
I have heard playing an instrument has various benefits, but I'd never heard that it could help children with learning disabilities. I think creativity is a very important skill to develop. I hope schools continue to keep music and art programs!
ONe of my children played the piano by ear; another took up guitar later in life after giving up on it as a kid. I wanted to play the piano all my life and finally decided as a grandma to start taking lessons now. I read an article encouraging older people to do one of three things: work crossword puzzles, learn to play an instrument or learn a new language. So it looks like music connections help at all age levels
There has been lots of research on music having an integral part in certain areas of our brains- music is also a therapy for many children with learning difficulties or special needs. In addition, Brain Gym exercises and activities are becoming more popular as a therapy for special needs children to work on the areas of the brain. As a teacher, it is amazing to see all students learn through music and movement. Everyone has a different learning style, and utilizing music in the classroom at any grade level serves as an optimal learning opportunity (especially for students who are auditory style learners). Using a variety of teaching methods is called "differentiation", and it provides children the opportunity to learn according to their learning style do and to be exposed to new ways of learning. Thank you for the article! It was very insightful and informative for parents.
I think classical music is great for children and adults and we don't listen to it as much. I try to keep it on at our house. My son takes piano lessons and we would like to start my daughter this fall. She just turned 6 and has Down Syndrome. I think it would be so good for her.
Yes, I believe music is very important in a child's life and I plan to enroll our baby-to-be in piano and guitar lessons.
Our daughter has an interest in guitar. So we may look into guitar lessons. Whatever she wants to do.
My daughter took after me and played the drums. She ended up playing them all through high school. My son played trombone for a few years but lost interest. He is interested in the piano now.
I grew up doing music and would like my children to do the same. I think it helps them with math related things as well as giving them self-confidence.
How is playing the accordian a plus on a college application? Its better to be a minority, then you'll get preferential treatment… seriously, if you've got the application fee laying around and some time on your hands, fill out 2 identical applications with the exception of Ethnicity (caucasion on one and Eskimo or something on the other) and send them both in. I can virtually guarantee you that you'll get a response at least faster with the non-caucasion app and quite possibly in the affirmative whether or not the other one was. Its been done at almost every major college in the US with the same results.
We've been considering piano for my 4 yr old but decided to wait until next year. I'm happy to read it is so beneficial. Thanks for the easy to understand explanation of neuroplasticity.
My daughter started taking piano lessons at the beginning of Spring. I don't make her practice she does it on her own because she wants to. She's only 7 I just want her to have fun and enjoy it. I had lessons in flute when I was a teenager and I ended up quitting because my teacher wanted me to learn more theory. I just wanted to play. So if she wants to get more in depth with it. I will help her in any way she needs.
That's very cool! My daughter is very musically inclined – these are great reasons to keep encouraging her love.
If my son shows any musical inclination (and it's rare for any child not to!), I'll give him piano lessons. Piano is the foundation of all other instruments.
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As a musician I'm glad to hear it. My mom made me takes lessons as a child because she heard of its benefits. I've also read somewhere that musicians can retain vocabulary words better.
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To me, music is as important as breathing. I always have a song in my head and it often comes out. My sister took piano lessons and I got more out of them than she did.
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Really nice to hear that. I've also heard how creating an interest in music in the young makes the pick-up of mathematical concepts much easier for children as they grow. Its really good to hear articles supporting what many are discovering.