Did you know that music activates both the logical and creative sides of the brain? Music helps to build complex neural connections in our brains. The more we engage these connections, the faster we can think and perform multiple tasks. But perhaps the best thing about music is that it is fun. When a child is having fun, they are open to learning. 

Read on and learn about specific benefits a child could gain by learning music and incorporating it into routines and play. 

Musical Kids are Smarter, Confident, Creative, and More Disciplined

Many studies underscore the notion that music can be beneficial to mental development. But signing up for music lessons will do more than enhance thought processing and cognitive abilities. It goes further and helps overall development. 

A study published in the International Journal of Music Education showed that learning music enhances intellectual, social, and personal development. It makes children more creative, confident, and generally, better individuals. But the best thing was that all these improvements happened unconsciously. The more a child learns and engages in musical activities, the more he or she becomes a better person all-round. 

No matter the age, learning music (whether it is to play an instrument, sing, or understanding musical language) develops mental faculties. Engaging in regular practice and social musical activities helps children to learn self-discipline and can boost their self-esteem. 

Here are some of the specific benefits of music in child development. 

Music Improves Listening and Language Skills

Ever wondered why infants respond better when you sing to them as opposed to talking? Because music activates their brains better than speech. According to Play Skills Toys, music stimulates the temporal lobe, which is the language learning center of the brain. An infant can recognize and enjoy the musical aspects of language long before they can process specific words.

Think about it; when a child listens to alphabet musical tunes, like the ABC songs, he or she grasps the language faster. The same happens for older children and even adults. It is easier to sing (in a foreign language) than to speak at first. And there is scientific evidence to prove it. This study by MIT showed that piano lessons helped kindergarten children improve their language and listening skills. 

Children can improve fine motors skills

Fine motor skills entail the ability to move and coordinate smaller muscles in your body. They involve moving parts like fingers or feet to complete tasks like tying shoelaces, typing, or fastening buttons. 

How does music help children to develop motor skills?

A study at Northwestern University found that music enhances neuron development. The study focused on auditory development. However, it mentions how simple actions like rhythmic clapping, swinging, or dancing, can boost motor skills. 

Learning to play a piano or guitar sharpens their ability to coordinate arm and finger movements. Other instruments require both hand and leg movements. For instance, learning to play drums enhances the ability to coordinate the limbs. The study found that musical children can grasp complex motor skills, like driving or physical sports, faster and better.  

Children improve emotional and social skills

Childhood is a time of significant development in a wide range of socio-emotional cognitive skills. 

Learning music can help to enhance the quality of interactions in a child. Studies show that music improves interpersonal skills (recognition and response to personal emotions) and interpersonal skills (to identify and understand what another person is feeling).

This goes a long way in making kinder and more sympathetic children. Yet again, there is scientific evidence to back it. A study published in PLOS ONE revealed that music helps to build socially adept children. 

Children learn to be creative

Every child is born with the inherent capacity to be creative, or what scientists call divergent thinking. Music helps them enhance this ability. Studies show that musical children are more skillful in creative problem solving - whether the challenge presented is technical, artistic, or social. But how does this happen?

We already know that learning music enhances cognition, learning, memory, self-esteem, and emotional skills. These aspects funnel down to improved creative ability. Research suggests that an improved ability to gather information, compute it, and manipulate it, stirs curiosity and boosts interestingness. It drives us to dig deeper, learn more, and become more creative. 

Music has another way of boosting creativity - it sways our moods. Research shows that listening to ‘happy music’ enhances the mood and boosts creative abilities.  

Bottom Line: Music is good for the mind, body, and soul

Nothing good comes easy. To learn these valuable life lessons, a child (and his or her parents/guardian) must work hard and incorporate music into routines and play. Fortunately, you can sign up your child for music lessons and get expert help. The child will develop superior mental, physical and socio-emotional skills. They become more creative, more affable, and confident individuals - a heritage every parent/guardian would like to give.