One of the subjects that children generally like the most is music, but unfortunately, in schools, it is not given the importance it deserves, or there are not enough resources.
Learning to play an instrument, even easy banjo songs for beginners, is very beneficial for children in the short or long term. In a few schools, students are given the opportunity to do this.
Numerous studies have pointed out the benefits of music for children and adults. Almost all human beings, from all cultures and times, consider that listening to it is one of the most pleasant experiences that exist.
The explanation of neuroscience lies in the fact that the brain circuits that are activated are the nucleus accumbens (experience of pleasure during listening) and the caudate nucleus when we know that we are going to enjoy listening (prediction of pleasure).
Music helps develop attention and cognitive skills in children and adolescents. Playing an instrument enhances the language and memory of children. Children who receive this training will in the future develop better verbal memory, more precision in the pronunciation of a second language, or better reading ability.
Benefits for our children of learning to play an instrument
In addition, learning notions of music helps improve academic performance and the ability to work. We are going to discuss the unusual positive effects of this practice.
1. Increases memory, attention, and concentration
Learning to play an instrument helps improve memory and attention. Music requires focusing on the notes and lyrics of the songs. Children will have to remember and repeat the melodies over and over again. An exercise in memory and concentration for any child or adolescent.
2. Improve reasoning
When children learn music, they have to perceive rhythmic patterns. This constant exercise helps improve their reasoning. Numerous studies indicate that this exercise can help students learn to find more complex solutions to mathematical and logical problems.
Playing some scores is an exercise that improves math skills. In addition, the students learn to respect the routines thanks to the constant repetitions that they have to do with the melodies. It even involves a constant effort that improves their work capacity and school performance.
3. Stimulates creativity and imagination
Music is an artistic discipline that enhances the development of creativity. It helps to motivate children and to foster their imagination, as can happen with other arts such as painting or drawing. Creativity helps to improve their self-esteem and to improve the concept of themselves.
4. Improves language and mood
The sense of rhythm that music brings benefits to children’s overall learning. Knowing the melodies and lyrics of songs provides words and sounds that expand vocabulary. Plus, it can improve your mood at key moments in your life. It provokes different emotions in children and relaxes or activates them according to the rhythm or melody. It can be a good resource to improve their mood in times of stress or anxiety and even help control nerves during exam times.
5. A good exercise to socialize
Playing in a children’s orchestra or going to music class with other children helps them interact with people interested in the same discipline. They will have fun and enjoy this activity together. They will also learn the importance of teamwork.
The benefits of children learning music and playing an instrument from a young age are many and varied. Its effects can be positive for their academic performance and development. Do not hesitate if your child wants to try signing up for an extracurricular activity related to this subject. It will always be positive for their training, and it will provide them with a space in their daily routine where they can develop creativity.