5 benefits of encouraging your child to learn an instrument

Pursuing an extra-curricular activity, such as learning an instrument, has many advantages for children. Besides the sense of pride parents feel when their child successfully masters a piece of music, research has found that learning an instrument teaches children a range of skills and supports their academic performance. I have teamed up with a private nursery in Pimlico to explore the benefits of learning an instrument in further detail. 

1. Encourages perseverance and commitment

Learning an instrument takes time and commitment, and your child will need to learn the importance of perseverance before they become successful at it. This is a great trait for children to develop early on and will serve them well throughout school and in their personal lives. 

2. Teaches efficient time management skills

Children who learn an instrument must juggle school commitments, as well as their music lessons and practise. This requires excellent organisation and time management, which are great skills for children to master and will come in handy throughout life. 

3. Supports mental health

Music has various therapeutic advantages and having such a hobby will act as a distraction for your child from the stressors of everyday life. What’s more, as they become more confident in playing their chosen instrument, they are able to establish a stronger sense of self, which is fantastic for their mental health. 

4. Helps with University applications

When students are able to demonstrate commitments and interests outside of their academic obligations, they become a stronger candidate for universities. This is because hobbies reveal an element of personality and talent, which are looked favourably upon. 

5. Improves academic performance

As children develop various key skills (in the field) and become increasingly more confident, they are able to perform better in school. 

So, as you can see, there are various reasons why you should encourage your child to learn an instrument. However, it’s important to ensure that its actually something they want to do – would they be better suited to a sporting activity or something else altogether? Don’t pressure them into a hobby that they’re not genuinely interested in, as this will be a waste of everyone’s time.