The Effect of Musical Instruments on Children
Music and learning to play musical instruments exercises multiple areas of the brain, and it can be very beneficial for children's development. Music is a complex process that involves learning, memory and emotions, according to research by Eric Chudler, an associate professor at the University of Washington. Putting your child into music classes may have benefits that flow over into other areas of life.
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Cognitive Tasks
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According to biological anthropologist Gwen Dewar, music and intelligence are connected, and musicians have significantly more gray matter in their brains, which allows them to perform better on cognitive tasks. Cognitive tasks are comprised of many activities and thought patterns that typically help determine a person's ability to learn and their overall intelligence. Some examples of this include spatial-temporal skills (memory), reading skills, math ability, verbal memory phonemic awareness and vocabulary.
Concentration
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Learning how to play musical instruments may also help to develop and improve a child's concentration. Music lessons typically require focused attention for long periods of time as well as memorization. They also teach children to decode complex symbolic systems (musical notes) and learn how to understand rules of pattern formation. When these developed skill sets are applied to other types of learning, such as in the classroom, children are usually successful.
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Patience and Relaxation
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It takes time and effort to learn a musical instrument, and this can teach children how to have patience and perseverance. Most children are not able to learn how to play an instrument and read sheet music in the first lesson. It requires building blocks and many lessons to be able to finally play a piece of music. Learning how to learn helps children prepare for future life lessons and challenges.
Music therapy is used to complement traditional forms of medicine, and research shows that several types of music help to lower heart rates and blood pressure when listened to. The vibrations in musical notes work to relieve stress and provide a sense of relaxation.
Coordination
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Playing a musical instrument requires eye-hand coordination as well as other motor skills. The brain must learn to read the musical notes, translate the codes into specific motor patterns and incorporate breath and rhythm to play them. Musical training also helps children learn how to recognize patterns over time, as well as understand ratios and fractions.
Self-Confidence
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Children who successfully learn how to play musical instruments typically have self-awareness and high self esteem. They are exposed to encouragement and enthusiasm of teachers and parents, which helps to build confidence. The feeling of achievement---from learning to play to performing at a recital---can give children a sense of accomplishment and pride. Teaching children about creative outlets at young ages also gives them tools to express emotions and feelings.
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References
- Photo Credit girl playing piano image by NiDerLander from Fotolia.com
