At the top of each list of benefits is the one that many teachers of music have repeated for generations and there is some documentation over the years that suggest it is true that learning to play an instrument can help to develop better confidence and higher self esteem. This comes about by experiencing a task that may be difficult and challenging in the beginning and turning it into a creative outlet that allows the musician to feel a great sense of achievement in completing the work. Some studies are now saying that this in itself leads to better school skills for children and better work skills for adults.
School skills that parents may be most interested in is that learning to play and read music does appear to raise math scores with children. Especially if the child has been taking music classes from a young age and continuing through high school. These lessons can be in a private setting or a group or band setting. Children as young as pre-kindergarten and kindergarten have been shown to reap many benefits such as better focus and cognitive skills when introduced at this young age to keyboard or piano.
580-747-4799 (Enid Location)
School skills that parents may be most interested in is that learning to play and read music does appear to raise math scores with children. Especially if the child has been taking music classes from a young age and continuing through high school. These lessons can be in a private setting or a group or band setting. Children as young as pre-kindergarten and kindergarten have been shown to reap many benefits such as better focus and cognitive skills when introduced at this young age to keyboard or piano.
The social benefits of learning to play an instrument tend to lean to the suggestion that it leads to a social circle of friends with something in common. This is evident if you have ever been on a band trip and notice the camaraderie between the band members when in a relaxed setting. This also seems to hold the same with adult musicians as well. It has been documented that junior high and high school age students are less likely to be involved with drugs and alcohol when they are in band.
Being in a band can have its own benefits such as learning high cooperation skills and learning to work with others. This then leads to better work environment skills as an adult. Adults who play an instrument, or took classes and was in band as a child, have reported being able to be more creative and focused at work. They continue to say that the skills they learned in playing music in a band setting helps them to follow through with difficult projects without abandoning the work. Some have said that being in a regimented setting such as marching band has helped them to be able to see the “big picture” of the difficult task and thus helps them to continue even when they would prefer to quit. Continuing through the difficult times then transfers to high achievement levels at work and in their personal lives.
Playing an instrument also appears to have some possible health benefits as well. Along with the high sense of achievement may come less stress. People have known for years that listening to soothing music can help a person to unwind, lift their mood and relieve stress. Some studies have indicated that listening to music can even lower blood pressure. Learning to play an instrument can also bring these benefits to a persons life. It is common these days to see a keyboard or even a guitar sitting in the office of a CEO of a fortune 500 company.
Once again, a parent can spend time researching the many different articles written by professional musician, professional teachers and university studies that can be found on the internet. Be sure to allow much time and follow through because there is a lot to read and take in. Focus will come in handy as you sort through the articles and research as well. Or you can spend some time experiencing and observing band members and their families. Also talk to musicians you know personally and get their answer as to why they play an instrument.
A parent can also visit our website at www.academyoffineartsok.com to find out more about music classes and instruction or book a tour of our school and visit with a teacher of music. On the FAQ page of our website, you may find most of your questions answered, but if not we do look forward to meeting you and giving you the information that you need.
Academy of Music
580-256-3262 (Woodward Location)580-747-4799 (Enid Location)
