Learning an instrument has multiple benefits for people of all ages, but young students are especially rewarded. For instance, music education actually increases their reading comprehension and boosts their vocabulary. So, it could easily be argued that if you want your child to do better in English class, you should enroll them in music class as well. There are several other benefits as well, as you’ll see below.

Problem Solving and Mental Processing

The higher the level of gray matter, the smarter a child will become. Therefore, it’s crucial to introduce a child to an instrument. After all, practicing with an instrument on a regular basis will boost their gray matter, resulting in them finding better solutions and processing situations more quickly. Additionally, these skills are some of the most important for developing healthy relationships later on in life.

Hand-Eye Coordination

The motor skills that are enhanced by playing an instrument can have a big impact on a child’s overall education. For example, kids who have Asperger’s often suffer from poor motor skills, which leave them at a disadvantage. However, if a child with Asperger’s is allowed to get a music education, their hand-eye coordination will improve. This one change in their lifestyle may allow them to do better in several other areas of their life, which will give them a big boost for their self-esteem.

Memory Improvements

Memorization is a big part of learning to play an instrument, so it shouldn’t be surprising that this ability transfers to other things in the student’s life. In fact, a study into musicians and non-musicians illustrated that musicians did better in memory, visual, and auditory tests. As you can see, the benefits of a music education go much further than the music itself. In light of all that, it’s not an exaggeration to say that playing an instrument is a life-changing opportunity.

Strong Study Habits

Learning a new song takes time and practice. This level of dedication is commendable, and it also translates into strong study habits. When a young student needs to rely on studying to ace a test, they’ll already have the skills necessary thanks to their musical background. Again, this is something that’s hard to teach on its own but can come easily if the student is already dedicated to learning music.

Improves Non-Verbal Communication

Developing strong non-verbal skills is important for everyone, but it’s of the greatest importance for those who are non-verbal to begin with. The good news is that music allows the student to express themselves without the need for verbal communication. Instead, they can put their creative energy into their instrument and learn to communicate in a different way.

Highly Motivating

When you’re playing an instrument, you naturally want to get better at it. This single aspect alone is highly motivating, and it keeps kids of all skill levels engaged. Music also urges the student to push past their comfort zone and try new things, which will help them be braver and more adventurous for life.

Boosts Test Scores

When children are engaged by a high-quality musical education, it improves every aspect of their lives. One area that receives a big boost is their ability to do well on written tests. For instance, students who attended a school with superior music skills had a 20 percent improvement on math tests and a 22 percent boost in their English test scores. If test scores matter to you, get your child into a music program immediately.

Relieves Stress

The world is a stressful place, and that goes double for a world with COVID-19. It doesn’t matter how young your child is; they’ve experienced stress in the past and are certain to do so in the future, too. One great way to diffuse this is through playing an instrument. Even practicing for just 5 or 10 minutes will calm down their heart rate and make them feel much more centered.

Spatial Intelligence

A child who has better spatial intelligence will be able to form metal pictures and more accurately perceive the world around them. This can help with everything from following patterns to advanced mathematics.

Higher Graduation Rates

Every parent wants their child to graduate and getting them hooked on music gives them a much better chance of doing so. The differences are astounding; if a student is getting a musical education, they have a 90.2 percent graduation rate. Meanwhile, those without music have only a 72.9 percent rate. Attendance rates are affected by music as well, with 93.9 percent of musicians going to school versus 84.9 percent of the rest of the crowd.

Sign Up for a Music Education

Stage Music Center provides musical education for people of all ages and skill levels. If you’re in the Winchester, MA, area and want to get your child into music, be sure to check out our private 30-minute, 45-minute, or 60-minute sessions. We teach a wide variety of courses, ranging from cello and saxophone to guitar and voice. 

By Steve Lipman: Founder & President at Inside Music Schools | Insidemusicschools.com

Head of admissions and faculty member at Berklee College of Music for 40 years, Steve Lipman and the team at Inside Music Schools speak music as their primary language. We approach each client contact with open eyes, ears, and minds. As the country’s premiere music school consultant, he advised students from the United States, Canada, China, Australia, Turkey, U.K., Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Israel, and Italy.