A study at Northwestern University discovered that kids benefit from music lessons when they are engaged in the learning process and participating. “Even if a group of motivated students is also highly engaged to music, small variations in engagement and attending class predict neural processing after music training,” says Nina Kraus, director of Northwestern Auditory Studies.
Starting Music Therapy
Instruments are an important foundation for music therapy. Children and teens in hospitals can use them to concentrate on the rhythmic sounds they make as they heal. Children can heal themselves from illness by listening to and playing music.
Music therapy can be used to ease pain and anxiety. It can also help with stress reduction and anxiety. It has been proven that music therapy can have a significant impact on the patient’s perception of effectiveness. This includes pain relief, relaxation, respiration rate and lower levels anxiety.
Music therapy can also help with mental health issues in hospitals. This includes reducing stress, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and depression, as well as social withdrawal.
A music therapist meets with a patient to assess their abilities and get a feel for them. The first meeting is about getting acquainted with the child. What are their needs, interests, and behavior?
The therapist creates a plan that will help you reach your recovery milestones by listening to music, writing songs and playing instruments. The music therapist then monitors and adjusts the goals to meet patient and child needs.
Learning to play an instruments can have a positive effect on the mental and physical health of children in hospitals. There are many other benefits. Continue reading to find out more. You may even want to buy a guitar or flute for your child.
Benefits of Children Learning a Musical Instrument
One reason music is so important to learn playing instruments as opposed to just listening to music is that there are a lot of studies proving that it’s better for physical health. For example, playing an instrument can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, boosting your heart rate, and reducing stress. It also helps with school performance and thought process development in children.
1. Enhances Coordination
The brain must work fast and efficiently when playing an instrument. Children must concentrate on the music and the movement of the instrument. Children can improve their hand-eye coordination.
A good example is the trombone. Instead of using keys or strings, the slide tube on a trombone must be moved to the right place at the right moment to produce the correct note.
2. Teaches Patience
You must practice for hours, days, and even years to play an instrument. Children must be patient and learn to set goals. A violin can be a great instrument to teach patience. It takes practice to master the bow and the strings. Remember that violins come in many sizes so make sure your child is properly fitted.
3. Promoting Math Skills
Music can be creative, and it often helps to promote a child’s artistic side. Music can also be used to teach math skills and help kids think critically.
Children will need to learn how to count, read scales, and follow the beats. All of these are measured in numbers. As the drums are a great example of this, timing is key to making the right sounds and creating a cohesive beat. Start your child with a starter or used set, as kits can be expensive.
4. Responsibilities
Many instruments require maintenance to stay in good condition. This gives kids something to take responsibility for. Children learn to practice at home and in lessons. If your child is interested in learning to play the flute, then teach him/her how to clean it with a rod or cloth.
Introduces Students to History and Culture
Music theory is a rich history that can be taught as part musical instruction. Music is often a reflection on the culture and time it was written. It is possible to give children a glimpse into the past by exposing them to many musical styles (e.g., classical, contemporary, rock and blues, folk, folk, or medieval). Children may feel more connected to music if they have a better understanding of the history of it.
The fascinating history of music therapy can also be found in philosophy, Greek Mythology, Native American culture, and the United States military. Learn more in our post on music therapy’s origins.
5. Encourage Self-Esteem
Learning to play an instrument gives children a way to express themselves and allows them to be creative. Music can be a way for children to express their emotions in a way that is comfortable and easy. The saxophone is a jazz instrument that tugs at the heartstrings. Children can express their emotions in a healthy, productive way by learning how to play an instrument.
6. Boosts Self-Esteem
Children can learn an instrument to help them practice, receive feedback and make adjustments. This will allow them to see positive results. They will gain self-confidence and increase self-esteem as they improve.
A piano is a great example of this, since it’s often used to put on a show. Consider which model is best for your home if your child is interested playing the piano. Although a baby grand piano and a grand piano sound the same, smaller pianos have a higher volume and sound sharper.
7. Increased Memory Capacity
It’s easy to forget small things as we age. Learning to play an instrument can help children improve their memory skills from a young age. Music can teach children how to create, store, and retrieve memories. It’s similar to a brain workout.
You might consider enrolling your child for lessons to learn how to play the guitar. They will need to learn which strings correspond to which notes, and how to play specific chords with certain hand positions.
8. Improves Reading Skills
Playing an instrument requires children to learn sheet music. This involves identifying the note on the page, associating it with its pitch, and then playing the sheet music. As they improve their skills, they will be able to read more and play more fluidly.
A child playing the trumpet has only three pistons that control air flow and create notes. They will need to be able to read music and use hand combinations to create certain notes.
9. Aids Social Skills
Playing an instrument is a great way for kids to bond and form healthy social skills. Your child will learn to respect others by listening to the music of others, regardless of whether they want to join a school band or start a rock band with their friends. The clarinet, cello and tuba are instruments that can be played well with other people.
10. Exposes New Cultures
Music is a reflection on history. Music can be taught to children through the teaching of blues, jazz, baroque, and even zydeco culture. These cultures can help children develop a deeper appreciation for their instruments.
Consider the sitar as a lesson in music and culture. It is a similar instrument to a guitar, but it has only three strings. Its origins date back to north India centuries ago.
Conclusion
The choice of instrument for your child and you should be based on many factors. You should consider what your child will enjoy, as well as what you want to get out of the experience.
Do they prefer the guitar? Do they enjoy the sound of an Oboe? Start them off by choosing an instrument that piques your interest.
FAQ for Benefits of Children Learning a Musical Instrument
What are the benefits of learning a musical instrument for children?
With a musical instrument, children can learn about coordination, rhythm, and music. They also get to be creative and express themselves in a way that is unique to them.
Advantages of learning a musical instrument for kids:
- Helps with coordination skills and motor skills
- Develops creativity and self-expression
- Promotes brain development, and more.
What is the best age to start a musical learning an instrument?
Musical education is no longer limited to children. It is not uncommon for adults to learn an instrument as a hobby or to start a new career in music.
However, it can be difficult to know what age is the best time to start learning an instrument. But there are some important factors that can help you decide when you should start learning.
The best age range for most people would be between 8-14 years old. This is because children at this age have the ability to focus on one thing and learn it well, which means they will be able to develop skills later in life.
What are some recommended a musical instruments for children to learn?
This is a question that many parents have asked themselves. There are so many options available, but it can be difficult to choose the right one for your child.
There are a lot of instruments out there, but some kids just aren’t interested in playing any traditional instruments. If your child is like this, then you should consider getting them an electronic keyboard or drum machine.
If you’re looking for something more traditional and less expensive, then a violin or guitar would be the best choice for your child.
How long does it take to learn how to play an instrument?
It usually takes about three years for a student to learn the basics of playing a musical instrument. If a student is really serious about playing, he or she may spend up to 12 years or more learning the nuances of different instruments.
Is there a difference between learning an instrument and playing one?
There is a difference between learning an instrument and playing one. Learning an instrument involves memorizing the notes, practicing, and mastering the skill of playing it. Playing one involves understanding how to play it and also having a good ear for music.
The difference between learning an instrument and playing one is that with the former, you are studying to master it whereas with the latter, you are just using your knowledge of music to perform it.
What do children learn when they learn a musical instrument?
Children learn a lot of things when they learn how to play an instrument. They develop their motor skills, improve their coordination and even gain new skills like creativity.
Children also learn about the importance of music in society and how it has the power to create emotions that can help people feel better.
Children who learn to play an instrument are more likely to perform better academically, have higher self-esteem and be more creative than those who don’t.