Benefits of Music –The Information Your Children Must Not Live Without - The benefits of music have existed from the beginning of time. However, the benefits are still not universally accepted which is preventing children from becoming the most loving, confident and skilled adults they deserve to be. Research shows that children who are exposed to music and the learning of an instrument have the opportunity to improve their powers of concentration and their communication skills with other children. This article will highlight the potential for children to do better in school and give you ideas to help them improve their self-esteem and confidence.
Benefits of Music –The Information Your Children Must Not Live Without
By Alice Johnson
Apr 19, 2011 - 8:30:08 PM
Adults and children alike are able to access the benefits of
music, and it is a universally accepted fact that parents want the best for
their children, right? It is also a universally accepted fact that music can,
and does, affect the brain in many, many ways. The purpose of this article is
to highlight the benefits of music and the major ways I believe that learning a
musical instrument, particularly the piano or keyboard, is one of the best ways
to build confidence in children.
Children who are exposed to music and the learning of an
instrument have the potential to improve their powers of concentration, thereby
are able to do better at school by improving reading ability at a younger age,
which leads to a healthy self-esteem and confidence throughout their developing
years. Their concentration levels are boosted by the need to develop hand/eye
co-ordination, for example, by having to find the correct keys on the piano,
whilst reading music from a sheet, which can be compared to learning another
language. The ability to read music and play an instrument is also known to
improve children's understanding of math and languages. Many of the same parts
of the brain used in music are also used in math, language, and thinking, which
highlights the benefits of music for developing children.
Scientists believe that learning how to play an instrument like
the piano will not only make you a better musician, it may make you a better
student.
"If you want to maximize your children's intellect, give them
music lessons." Says Dr. Mark Tramo, neuroscientist at Harvard Medical
School. He goes on to make the comparison between the benefits of learning
piano and the well-known benefits of playing sport.
"It's a lot like
saying: If you exercise your body by doing calisthenics, you not only build
your coordination, you also improve your ability to play football and tennis."
By learning to interact with others who share their interest in
music, children are improving their communication skills, team building
abilities and can build bridges to an understanding of cultural differences in
local communities and the wider society. This further emphasizes the benefits
of music in the wider community. The opportunity to share their musical skill
with others and to receive applause and acclaim for their skill is a hidden
benefit of music which is often overlooked. The boost to a child's self-esteem
from performing (let's face it, all children love to dance, sing, show-off in
front of an audience). Can you remember family get together at Christmas and
Thanksgiving when you were young, when the children were encouraged to "do
a number" for grandma and grandpa? The effect of the buzz on their immune
system also creates natural health benefits, both physically and mentally.
Learning music from an early age enables children to develop
skills which are highly valued in the workplace today, such as discipline and
teamwork. Putting time into practice, even if only for 15 minutes per day,
which is an easy timeframe for children to master their lessons, as the lessons
can be self-paced (try Googling piano for beginners online if you prefer to
have them learn their lessons at home) provides them with the opportunity to
learn the discipline and concentration required to carry them through their
schooling to whatever level they choose.
The
discipline of practicing on a daily basis is one example of how the benefits of
music will lead to confident children developing good study habits and study
skills, which will last them through higher education, and onto a work ethic
valued by employees worldwide. The benefits highlighted in this article clearly
indicate the positive and lifelong effects of musical education, and show the
difference which can be made to a child's life.
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