*This is a collaborative post
Learning an instrument isn’t just about being able to perform a piece of music; there are many other skills that youngsters can learn through musical hobbies. With this in mind, there’s certainly no reason why you shouldn’t encourage your child to learn an instrument, as long as it’s something that interests them. I have teamed up with a private school in Gerrards Cross to explore the benefits of learning an instrument below…
Increases Cognitive Ability
Learning an instrument is a great way to stimulate the brain and help with memory. This can benefit your child academically and help improve their performance in school.
Helps Build Confidence
As your child become more proficient in their chosen instrument, their confidence will gradually improve, especially when they start performing in front of others. Confidence is an important trait, and will help your child in many ways, such as the ability to communicate with others and their enthusiasm towards their education.
Promotes Perseverance
Your child won’t become a musical prodigy overnight; they will have to practise and persevere before they actually have adequate skills to play a piece of music. With that said, learning an instrument is great for teaching children the importance of persistence.
Aids Relaxation
Research has found that music is very beneficial for mental health because it helps us to de-stress. It has a unique effect on heart rate and blood pressure and encourages the release of “feel good” hormones.
Teaches Time Management Skills
Your child will need to juggle their music lessons and practise with their other responsibilities, which will teach them how to manage their time effectively.
So, as you can see, there are lots of pros for encouraging your child to learn an instrument. However, there are lots of other equally beneficial hobbies that they could pursue, so you should only encourage them to learn an instrument if they are genuinely interested in doing so, otherwise it will just be a waste of their time and your money.