5 benefits of music lessons for children

Parents don’t tend to hold “the arts” in very high regard, focussing on more academic subjects when it comes to their child’s progress. However, the arts, including music lessons, are actually a very beneficial part of the school curriculum and can help your child develop various key transferrable skills. I have teamed up with an independent school in Oxfordshire to explore this further. 

1. Music lessons improve cognitive function

Music and maths share several similarities, such as rhythm and patterns, counting and translating symbols. What’s more, research has found that children who learn a musical instrument tend to have better memory, spatial intelligence and reasoning skills. With that said, it can be argued that music improves cognitive function, which can support them in other areas of their education.

2. Learning an instrument improves co-ordination

Children who learn an instrument strengthen their fine motor skills, as well as hand-eye co-ordination and dexterity. This will benefit them in both their personal and academic lives, even with simple tasks such as tying their shoelaces.

3. Music contributes to good mental health

All children deserve a break from traditional classroom environments sometimes, where they are usually told they are either right or wrong. In music lessons, there is more freedom for youngsters to express themselves freely, taking their minds off of challenging or stressful situations. The opportunity to focus on something other than exams and other pressures of school life can contribute to better mental health. 

4. Music lessons promote commitment

Learning to read and produce music doesn’t happen overnight; it takes practise and determination. However, with enough training, your child will eventually be able to play a piece of music successfully, which teaches them that committing to something will pay off in the end. 

5. Learning an instrument can promote confidence

When children successfully master a piece of music and receive praise and applause from their audience, no matter how big or small, they receive a well-deserved self-esteem boost. Confidence is key to success because it’s what encourages children to put themselves out there and step out of their comfort zones.