subject: Should Your Child Learn Music? [print this page] It has been widely recognised for many years that music study is good for you, but just how good, and in what way?
As an adult who grew up learning music from childhood, it is possible I am biased, and simultaneously oblivious. But, ask yourself this, if you had the chance to offer your own child a head start in life, by offering to support them in learning a musical instrument, what would stop you?
My greatest fear is not to hear that it is too costly, but that you dont have a musical bone in your body, so why would your kids?!
The cost is a small obstacle, and one that can easily be managed; trust me, this I can help you do. But, what is hard is to instill a love of music into you that is so contagious and powerful, that you would do anything to prevent your child from giving it up. Only a person who has benefited from learning music can tell you just how it makes you feel as an adult. And so I will try.
Having the skill to sit and play at the piano as an adult is a truly wonderful thing. They say music is the food for our soul; so try that is. It is an outlet for emotions and an escape from the world. A place you can go to regroup and rationalize your thoughts, a place of harmony and inner balance. In todays world there are not many avatars like that, and in the future, there are likely to be less.
So whether you want to vent anger and frustration, and race with the music, or reflect on life passing by, soaking in lifes beauty by mulling with the music, it is always going to be there to keep you company, no matter what your needs, offering its own support of you world like a lifetime partner.
Who as a parent, would want to prevent their child, from this unique and priceless gift? Not I. My husband and I have 3 children, and all are under the strict understanding that no matter what activities they choose to learn and partake in, they will not ever be permitted to quit music. My seventeen year old, now thanks us, and so too will our eleven and twelve year old one day, I have no doubt. But, music is supposed to be fun, and if its not, then you have the wrong teacher. My advice to you, change now, dont waste another day, its just too important not to.
The benefit of music study to a child is immense. When we say Music Makes a Difference, mostly we mean to your childs education. The results you will notice are improved reading skills, faster mathematics calculations, and increased understanding in maths, higher levels of co-ordination, increased in foresight and strategy, elevated scientific understanding, and even advanced engineering concepts.
Your child will know they may be among the only kids playing music, and see this as their "secret weapon" to success. Improving their self-confidence and pride in themselves. As they begin to realise more and more there are others who enjoy music (and they will) they begin to feel rewarded for their efforts, and acceptance into a completely new fraternity of friends who enjoy these interests in inevitable. This goes a long way in broadening their social network, and increases their level of acceptance amongst piers.
No longer is it considered to be a geek if you play a musical instrument. It is a privilege and a skill your child (and You) can be proud of, not to mention its cool to be in a band!
The positive side effects of music study are displayed throughout life, contributing to admirable qualities, the success and happiness scales, time management organization and self discipline /motivational skills. A committed, dedicated musician will display a positive work ethic and persistence throughout their life. So, my fear that these and other admirable characteristics might not be able to be impressed on non-musical parent is great.
This is not to say a non-musical person wont be these things, but imagine the potential! The opportunities of having music in your life as an adult are indeed endless. There are many benefits besides improved brain capacity, which an adult can enjoy.
Music offers a sense of enrichment and achievement, a sense of pride and self respect, the opportunity to explore different composers thought their music and to explore the diversity of characteristics of thousands upon thousands of works and to be able to resurrect those characteristics within yourself; the opportunity to share with others; to advance your skills and improve your proficiency, and the opportunity to express your emotions. If you are like me, and many are, playing music also offers me the opportunity to exercise my arthritic fingers!
A music education is a world of opportunities, and an avatar all to its own, and so whether you take my advice, or just go with your instincts, surely you will not regret giving your child (or Yourself), a chance to benefit from them.
