Children feel great about themselves.

There’s nothing quite like the sense of pride that comes from working on building a new skill, especially when the result is  music.

It supports muscle development and motor skills. 

Children often use their body to keep the rhythm when they play and also must coordinate different motions with their hands at the same time. In doing so they develop great dexterity and coordination.

It helps them advance academically. 

Researchers have found connections between music lessons and nearly every measure of academic achievement:  reading comprehension, and math skills. Music also improves their powers of recall for powerful learning in all subjects.

It helps to build language skills. 

In the early stages as they learn their instrument, children become accustomed to different sounds and phrases that they may not have recognized before. This practice trains their ears for the subtle nuances and sounds of language.

It can increase IQ. 

Numerous studies (including this one in 2004 by E. Glenn Schellenberg) have proven that children’s IQs increase because of even a few weeks of music lessons. Brain scan technology reveals that brain activity increases following musical training, and some parts of the brain even grow larger!

It can increase discipline. 

Being an overnight sensation can take time!  We may have to spend some time just learning the proper way to hold a violin or guitar, before we can become proficient. Music lessons require some concentration and patience. Perseverance when tackling a tricky piece is an invaluable skill for all areas of life.

It can improve social skills. 

When children play in a group, they have to learn to work together to achieve a common goal, exercising tolerance, patience, and encouragement towards their peers.

And most importantly…  It brings joy. 

Credit: The Edvocate March 2018