Does Learning a Musical Instrument Benefit Kids and is it Worth the Cost?
Playing a Musical Instrument and the Associated Cost
You may be thinking that you’d love to give your child the opportunity to play a musical instrument, but there is a cost and does the benefit exceed the cost? I hope to convince you that this is an opportunity you won’t want your child to miss. As for cost, I have been giving private music lessons for 20+ years and there are ways of keeping the cost down. I’ve had parents ask to do bi-weekly lessons instead of weekly. I’ve also done small group lessons where the parents share the cost. Instruments can be rented instead of purchased. If cost is still an issue for you, talk to your music teacher and see what suggestions they have.
The benefits of playing a musical instrument are numerous. I’d like to talk about a few.
Playing an instrument is good for your brain. Regularly playing an instrument changes the shape and power of your brain. Musicians are shown to have significantly more developed left planum temporales. The parts of the brain that control motor skills, hearing, storing audio information and memory become larger and more active when you play an instrument, causing a boost to mental functions that lasts a lifetime.
Playing an instrument is linked with improved memory, reading and comprehension. Reading sheet music and translating it to finger position then music takes persistence and skill.
Playing an instrument teaches discipline, commitment, responsibility and accountability. Music students develop discipline by learning to maintain a practice schedule. They develop the life skills of responsibility and accountability by attending each lesson, coming prepared and learning new material. This self discipline carries over to other areas in life.
Playing an instrument relieves stress and is a form of self expression. Studies show that playing a musical instrument can reverse multiple components of human stress. Playing an instrument keeps you engaged in something pleasurable, enjoyable, and calming while giving you a chance to express yourself.
By giving your child the opportunity to learn an instrument you will be giving them a lifelong talent and skill set. If you have financial concerns talk to your music teacher to see what arrangements can be made. Take advantage of this lifelong opportunity for your child.
© 2013 HeatherH104