By our Smarty friends at Bold Music Lessons
Parents often struggle to determine which extracurricular activities best suit their children’s needs. It seems as though every year there are more options to choose from. Perhaps the most popular extracurricular these days is youth sports, and for good reason. Sports teach teamwork, discipline, and they ensure kids get the proper amount of physical exercise. However, it is also important to consider the benefits learning music too! In an age where electronics are a staple of every classroom and household, learning to play a musical instrument has many upsides that last a lifetime.
Finger Strength and Dexterity
Learning a musical instrument requires a child to develop dexterity in his or her fingers. It takes coordination and practice to build the finger strength needed to play an instrument. Because of the ever increasing use of touchscreens, many young people lack the strength and coordination they need to hold a pen or pencil, tools or other objects correctly. This is because they haven’t developed finger strength in the same way that many of us did who grew up pre-iPad. Learning music is a fun way to develop this strength and dexterity while also cultivating a priceless skill.
Mental Stimulation
Learning music engages the brain in ways that few, if any, other activities can. Learning music at a young age stimulates the brain, and there is more and more evidence surfacing that musical minds function better in the classroom than their non-musical counterparts. For example, studies have shown that learning music at a young age helps to develop the brain’s language and reasoning areas. Furthermore, children who study music and the arts on average score better on standardized tests like the SAT, and also achieve better grades in high school. Starting young sets your child up for success in areas of life that go well beyond a concert hall.
Discipline
Learning music is a challenging endeavor. It requires practice and discipline just like playing sports does. Kids who learn music at a young age develop healthy learning habits that they can carry throughout their lives. The discipline required to learn an instrument is the same discipline required to study for a big test or job interview.
Learning Music is a Shared Commitment
Learning music at a young age is a commitment shared between a child and their parents. Students need to be encouraged to practice their instrument, and parents should see to it that their kids are achieving the goals set by their instructor. Regardless of whether or not your child is self-motivated or particularly interested, the long-term benefits of sticking with it far outweigh the cost of giving up.
Of course, it’s important to find a music teacher that both you and your child like, and who keeps learning music FUN. Listen to your child—if they are not enjoying themselves, they won’t want to stick with it. Help them find a music teacher that lets them shine!
Finally, music lessons can be expensive. Students generally need their own instrument on top of private instruction. In-home music lessons are becoming more and more popular since they add a convenience factor for parents, but they tend to be pricier than traditional lessons in a studio. Make some room in your budget for music lessons—they are a worthwhile investment in your child’s growth and development.
Bold Music Junior Jammers Program
At Bold Music Lessons, we are committed to providing top notch music education for children in Charlotte, and we are excited to launch our inaugural Junior Jammers preschool music enrichment program in January 2019. This program, specifically designed for preschoolers aged 4-5 will provide an excellent musical foundation for young-ins. Stay tuned for more information on the Junior Jammers, and ask your preschool if they would like to discuss hosting it!
You can find Bold Music at BoldMusicLessons.com, instagram @boldmusiclessons, facebook @boldmusic
More on Bold Music Lessons:
Bold Music is the premier music lesson provider in the Charlotte area. Specializing in in-home music lessons, we come to your home for top quality and convenient instruction on a variety of instruments. Bold Music strives to promote the power of music, provide role models for our students, and nurture skilled, confident musicians – all the while having fun!
