Are Music Lessons Worth It?

One of the most googled question by parents who are wanting to start their child on their music lesson journey is:

“Are Music Lessons Worth It?”

Music lessons can contribute as much or as little as you want to your child‘s overall development. It can be viewed as a hobby to teach a single skill, or it can be embraced as a platform to catapult your child to new heights.

To know if music lessons are worth it, you need to gain clarity on your WHY - ie what you want to get out of your child‘s lessons.

Let’s dive into 12 scientifically proven benefits that come from learning from music, helping you make an informed decision as to whether you feel they are worth it for your child.

1: HAPPY CHILD

Music provides a creative outlet for emotional expression, which leaves your child feeling happier and well-balanced. It also helps your child to explore, communicate and understand their feelings.

2: SUCCESS IN SCHOOL

Music has been proven to enhance cognitive abilities including critical thinking skills and increased processing speed. It is strongly linked to improved academic performance - especially in math, reading & comprehension.

3: STRONGER SOCIAL SKILLS

Music provides common ground for kids, giving them something pure and joyful to bond over. It’s also been proven that engaging in group music activities fosters teamwork, communication, and a sense of belonging - all of which contributes to well-adjusted and socially aware child.

4: ROBUST CHARACTER

Learning an instrument requires dedication, practice, and perseverance. It instils values of hard work, commitment, and honesty. Learning music is challenging and it will often push your child outside of their comfort zone, helping them find the sweet spot for building resilience and patience.

5: STRONG CREATIVE THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING

Learning music teaches your child the art of divergent thinking, all whilst encouraging creative problem-solving and innovative approaches to challenges.

6: IMPROVED FOCUS

Music education is also known to improve executive function overall. This means your child will benefit from better attention, planning and stronger impulse control.

7: IMPROVED STRESS MANAGEMENT

Music is one of the greatest tools you can equip your child with for managing stress levels - and it’s a skill they will thank you for later in life. It’s well known that playing an instrument reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels within the body, allowing your child to feel calmer and more focused.

8: BETTER TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Learning music teaches your child to organise their time efficiently, helping them learn how to navigate the challenges of ‘tugging priorities’ as they grow up. It’s also worth noting that the more autonomy your child has in their music journey, the more responsibility they will develop, and the stronger their time management skills will become.

9: SELF-DISCIPLINE

The regular commitments and practice routines associated with music education nurtures self-discipline within your child. This, in addition to improved executive function and critical thinking skills will allow you to build a stronger level of trust that your child will make decisions that are in their best interest as they grow up.

10: BETTER MEMORY RECALL

Engaging in music education will improve your child ability to make, store and recall memories. Learning music also creates positive changes in their brains structure & function, which will allow for long-lasting neurological benefits that will still be present well into adulthood.

11: SELF-ESTEEM & CONFIDENCE

From partaking in performances, to the satisfaction of overcoming challenges, to finding their safe and happy space - music supports the development of these soft-skills in so many ways.

12: BETTER LISTENER & COMMUNICATOR

Learning to play an instrument sharpens auditory skills, through the ability to distinguish between different pitches, tones, and rhythms. This heightened auditory processing can positively influence language communication skills overall.

THE VERDICT:

They definitely go beyond the simple task of learning a new skill. Music lessons can also equip your child with a broad range of soft skills that will positively impact your child for the rest of their life.

What are your thoughts? Are Music Lessons worth it? Let us know in the comments below