When our kids reach a certain age, it’s a must to send them to school to learn the basics, such as reading and writing. But we know that sending them to school will help them learn many things other than academics. They will learn to make friends and become more independent and resourceful. But we can further enhance their learning experience by exposing them to other things that they can learn. They can get into the arts such as lessons in dance or painting. We can get them to join the local theatre to explore their possible talents in acting. But one of the best things that we can encourage them to learn is music.
We’ve seen countless children attending piano lessons, trying their hand at guitar-playing, and even trying their best to learn musical notes. Music can be hard to learn. But it can also lead to many benefits for them — benefits that could help them build their skills and characters when they become adults in the future. These are the many benefits of learning music early in life.
Skills in Memorization, Math, and Logic
Memorization, math, and logic are things that children are already learning at school. Every day, they explore flashcards that help with memorization. They are practicing basic addition and subtraction. And they are already analyzing puzzles and other educational toys. But to further enhance these skills with music, they can try learning how to play certain musical instruments.
With music, children will learn how to keep up with rhythm patterns. For instance, if they try to play the piano, they will learn to count how many times to tap the keys to create a certain sound. And the more they practice playing, the more they would hone their skills in memorization. Once they get more used to playing, logic will come into play as they create their own rhythm patterns and create new music.
Motor Skills
Music like memorization, math, and logic, children are also learning motor skills in school. They do so when they participate in activities such as sports and other physical games. For example, with basketball, children will learn to use their arms in dribbling while using their feet for running. Such skills would be very much useful when they grow up and participate in more mobile activities. But music can also help them develop their motor skills in a significant way.
By learning to play the guitar, they will learn to coordinate their hands. As the other hand plays the notes, the other is being trained to strum in time with the notes. This may be incredibly frustrating to learn, especially for young children. But all it takes are practice and patience.
Creativity and Self-expression
As demonstrated above, learning music as a child will lead to many useful skills. But playing musical instruments is so much more than that, at the root of it creating music. And this act of creating is how children can learn to develop creativity and practice self-expression. Once they learn the basics of playing musical instruments, they can start creating their own to their hearts’ content.
Creativity and self-expression are two things that are very important in a child’s life. Because they’re not as vocal and expressive about their emotions yet — verbally, at least — they would need a different outlet. Music would be great for that.
Strength of Character
The first thing that children should know before they start learning music is knowing that it won’t be easy. They must understand that learning to play the piano, guitar, or other difficult instruments takes a lot of practice. This way, they will learn to become patient with themselves as they try to become better at playing.
Some children can be musical prodigies and pick up the lessons in the blink of an eye. But those who work hard will learn to strengthen their character as they study music. They will learn the value of hard work to get the reward. In this context, they will practice and practice until they can play a certain song. There are many ways to help children gain positive qualities, such as patience and perseverance. But music is a great place to start.
As parents or teachers, it’s our responsibility to provide ways for children to develop the skills, mindsets, and beliefs to equip them to face the real world when they become adults. Music is one of the best ways to do that. Now, all we’ll need to do is help them decide which instrument to focus on.
Meta title: Why We Should Teach Music to Children
meta desc: Sending our children to school is a must. But to give them a more holistic approach to education, we can enroll them in music classes for other talents.
