As parents, we want the best for our kids. That includes everything from healthy meals and plenty of good sleep, to the best education and the best memories. We give them the best we can afford and we try our best to raise them well. Kids today have elaborate toys and expensive clothes. We spend thousands of dollars on technology for educational and entertainment purposes and yet we continually wonder if we are doing enough. Honestly, I’m not sure we can ever do enough for our kids, but one thing I highly recommend: give them a solid music education.
Music is important in a child’s life and I could spend hours talking about all the benefits, but I will try to keep it short and sweet. Music is fabulous for brain development! It helps children with language acquisition and early reading skills as well as supports basic math skills like sequencing and patterns. Learning an instrument develops patience and perseverance. Playing an instrument can also help children with self-expression skills and encourage creativity. These two skills help children learn to be better communicators. Obviously, music helps to boost academic skills.
But music also helps child development in other ways, too. For example, playing the piano (or other instruments) helps build muscles in the hand which improves those small motor skills. (Small motor skills are used in gripping a pencil and writing.) Large motor skills can be practiced when moving to the beat or dancing around while listening to music. Learning to play an instrument can also help children build self-confidence as they become more and more proficient.
Music has benefits beyond child development, as well. Music often provides a social outlet when kids play in ensembles such as the school band or choir. It allows opportunities to make memories and build friendships. Another helpful example is that playing music, or even just listening to music, can boost your mood. One of my favorite benefits of learning an instrument is that it provides an outlet other than technology. Granted, there is often a lot of technology that can be incorporated into musical activities, but learning to play an instrument takes time away from playing video games or watching TV.
I know this is quite a bit of information and some of you are probably thinking, “That’s all great, but how can I incorporate this into our lives?” Well, there are lots of ways! One way, of course, is through private lessons. There is a cost associated with this, but if you can afford it, I would definitely recommend it! I also recommend starting with piano lessons. When you learn piano it becomes a multi-sensory approach. Students touch the keys, hear the music, see the music, and feel the emotions it invokes. Of course, any instrument is a good idea – my personal preference is just piano. For very young children, early childhood music and movement classes are great ideas. Of course, schools offer musical opportunities, as well, through music classes, band, and choir. Other ways to include music in your child’s life are through listening to music in the car or at home, having a family dance party, or having a family music making time. You can grab simple instruments like shakers, hand drums, or rhythms sticks, turn on some music and play with the beat. Or if someone plays an instrument already, then add the smaller instruments while that family member plays. It doesn’t have to be beautiful – it’s more about the experience! (Some of my favorite memories are from family music making.)
I firmly believe that learning music is beneficial. I’m partial because I’ve taught music in some fashion for the last 23 years; either in public schools, private lessons, or early childhood music and movement classes. I’ve personally witnessed children of all ages grow and bloom through the process of learning music. I’ve personally benefitted from making music, and I’ve watched my children reap the benefits. It is truly a gift and a blessing and I hope you, too, will share that with your children!
-by Kari Carr
About the Author: Kari doesn’t claim to be a parenting expert, just a mom to her four wonderful children and wife to the love of her life, Mike. Together they move through the ups and downs of raising kids in this crazy world. She struggles through the trials and joys of raising children from the ages of four to 18 years old. Kari received her degree at WKU and taught public middle school music and choir for seven years before opening her own business, Sound Beginnings Musikgarten & Vocal Studio. She lives and works in Bowling Green.
