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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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