The OTHER Benefits of Music Lessons

You are probably aware of the cognitive benefits of learning a musical instrument. In case you forgot, (check this article and/or this TED video for a refresher) here is a quick summary: Improves academic skills, develops physical skills, cultivates social skills, refines discipline and patience, boosts self esteem, introduces children to other cultures

What I will talk about here are not the benefits mentioned in the video and article. I want to shed some light on the lesser discussed reasons for developing musical skill; Reasons that involve the innate human desire for creative artistic expression and the feelings that only music can give us.

To get you in the right frame of mind, consider this; Do we have our children participate in sports with the expectation that they will become world class professional athletes? What about dance lessons, karate, musicals, and art classes? We have our kids participate in all those activities to be world famous and accomplished practitioners of those activities right? NOPE, JK. We enroll them in such things because the skills they learn in those activities are crucial to developing well-rounded human beings!

Lifeskills

Even a child who doesn’t seem athletically inclined, or musically inclined, or has “two left feet” can benefit tremendously from merely putting in the effort of practicing sports, music, dancing, etc. We can’t control what our children will be predisposed to like, but we can give them the right frame of mind to pursue and develop a uniquely human skill that enhances the quality of life of all who experience it.

Before I got into music I played organized sports every season from age 5-12. I learned how to use my body: how to properly jump, run, throw and catch objects, quickly pivot and shake off defenders, and other physical skills. I also learned about not giving up, teamwork, the value of practice, and performing in high pressure situations.

When I started playing music, my interest in sports waned until I stopped altogether. But the time I spent in sports was not in vain. I learned valuable skills that transferred to everything I pursued after that. The same goes for music. The non-musical aspects of what your child will learn in music lessons will be with them forever: focus, discipline, creativity, being “put on the spot” as a performer, etc.

Spiritual

The cognitive and social benefits of music are terrific, but so is the feeling of being enraptured by the flow-state that often accompanies music making. I’m talking about the sense of catharsis, connecting with a deeply ingrained, uniquely human phenomenon that is music. That feeling that takes us away from the mundane for a little while. See this brief article to understand what flow is.

If you ask a child why they like music, or to describe what they feel when they play music they will probably not mention flow-state or cognitive benefits. But if you observe a young child playing music, you can certainly see their demeanor change - even if just for moment - as they “get into” the music.

I see my students as young as 7 years old experience this connection to music . They focus intently, close their eyes, their movements become fluid, and they take on a certain stillness. It is like they are receiving and giving the music simultaneously. Perhaps you have noticed your child’s demeanor change when they play a piece of music they know well?

As a child I would noodle around with an accordion my family had. The feeling I got from making music on it was similar to when I would read a book. I would visualize in my mind’s eye the details of what I was reading.

Music gave, and still gives me, imagery in a similar way. Even as young child I was be able to “see” emotions, moods, and stories in my mind as I listened to or played music. I temporarily lost sense of time and place - as often happens when one reads a good book. It may not happen to everyone in the same way it happens to me, but this momentary loss of self is truly one of the best “other reasons” for taking music lessons.

A Word from ScaryMommy

These “other reasons” for taking music lesson are a bit ethereal and hard to describe, but I came across this article that, I think, neatly summarizes what I’m trying to convey. The author writes that she cares very much about

“…reinforcing that music is important to being a well-rounded human living in the world — just as important as learning science and literature. I care that they [children] step outside their comfort zone, try something new, and learn to hear (and feel) things in a different way. And I care a hell of a lot about helping their brains develop and their hearts grow (because, quite frankly, you cannot tell me that music doesn’t make your heart swell).

*By playing music, regardless of their ability, kids learn that these things are valuable. That there’s more to education — and life — than good grades and talent. That art is valuable regardless of skill. And that sometimes practice is more important than proficiency.”

*Bolding is my own

---

ConclusionMusical and creative expression is a fundamental human desire that should be enjoyed by all. The pursuit of musical skill teaches young minds perseverance, focus, discipline, creativity, and other skills with life-long transferability – not to mention the cognitive benefits. It also provides an outlet for catharsis and a healthy escape from the mundane. The reason your child should take music lessons is not necessarily to become a world-class performer, it is to become a balanced person that has the capacity to consume and participate in a uniquely human musical activity.

Please click the heart on the bottom right if you found this article helpful , it will let other readers know this a good one! Better yet, share it with someone who you think would find this information helpful. Were there other reasons besides cognitive benefits of why you enrolled you child in music lessons? Please email or DM me on Instagram @practice_percussion any question you may have about what you can do to help your child with music lessons!