Most people would agree that learning music has its advantages. Here are five ways how your child will benefit from learning music.
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Improves brain development
Studies[1] have shown that the brain of adult musicians had larger volume of grey matter compared to non-musicians. The same study also showed that structural brain changes associated with motor and auditory improvements begin to appear after 15 months of musical training in early childhood. Grey matter contains most of the brain’s neuronal cell bodies and includes regions of the brain involved in muscle control, and sensory perception such as seeing and hearing, memory, emotions, speech, decision making, and self-control. Another study[2] showed that children who learnt an instrument at least for 10 years benefited the most.
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Teaches concentration and discipline
Learning the piano can be fun but it also requires discipline and concentration. Playing the piano gives a complete brain workout as you are reading, listening, and playing at the same time. Such a feat is only possible if the student’s complete attention is at that task. Furthermore, regular practising plays an important role in becoming better at the instrument and consistently practising can only be possible with discipline.
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Teaches time management
A serious student of piano must find time to practise every day while going to school, doing homework, playing, spending time with family and friends, and various other activities. This inevitability causes the child to plan and manage his or time more efficiently. To quote the pianist and conductor Leonard Bernstein – “To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.”
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Reduce stress
Studies[3] have also shown that music is a great tool to reduce stress. Listening or playing upbeat music can make you feel more optimistic and positive while a slower tempo can calm and relax your mind. Using music to manage stress is a healthy way to deal with it rather than resorting to undesirable alternatives.
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Music will be a lifelong companion
Someone who has studied music when they were young will always cherish music as an art form and will carry it with them throughout their life. There are many individuals who had stopped taking music lessons as a child only to rediscover their love for music as an adult and restart their journey. Music will be your companion during the dark times as well as the best times of your life!
SOURCES
[1] https://www.jneurosci.org/content/23/27/9240.full
[2] https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/neu-25-3-378.pdf
[3] https://www.unr.edu/counseling/virtual-relaxation-room/releasing-stress-through-the-power-of-music
