Want to see how we can help your child? Call 0141 772 4333 today.
The results are in. The scientific and medical community agree. The benefits of music education for Children is real and lifelong.
Emerging evidence (Frontiers in Psychology Journal) suggests the area of the brain controlling both musical ability and language comprehension are more related than previously thought. In one study (Neuropsychologia Journal) musicians outperformed non-musicians in auditory, visual, and memory tests. Music training is good for the brain. Nina Kraus, a prominent brain researcher at Northwestern University, says that "music training leads to changes throughout the auditory system that prime musicians for listening challenges beyond music processing." (Psychology Today)
Research by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has shown the majority of children - 9 out of 10 - would like to learn a musical instrument, with the guitar (45%), piano (36%) and drums (35%) being most popular. Further research by Ofsted identified that two-thirds of parents don't think music is covered sufficiently in their child's school education. I think we can agree that applies in our area.
These 10 benefits of music education not only show how music can benefit your child now, but how it goes hand-in-hand with their preparation for future endeavours.
Improved Brain Development: One of the most useful benefits of music education is the increased ability to process situations and find solutions mentally. Those with musical training have been found to have higher levels of grey matter volume in their brains, which are directly tied to auditory processing and comprehension.
Better Language Skills: Music education requires students to recognise and repeat pitch, tone or enunciation of words. Especially in young children, music directly benefits the ability to learn words, speak them correctly, and process the many new sounds they hear from others.
Improved Math Skills: Reading music includes learning quarter, half, and whole notes, which are essentially fractions. “When a music pupil has spent time learning about rhythm, he has learned to count. He is not counting numbers, per se, but he is most certainly using logic to count out the rhythms and bars, and working his way methodically through the piece. Many musical concepts have mathematical counterparts.” (Getting Smart)
Improved Performance at School: As children grow and are exposed to more rigorous courses of study, time spent reviewing and retaining is essential to success. More and more time in the classroom is spent on introducing new subjects and ideas, requiring students to work at home to ensure they have grasped onto the necessary information. When children are exposed to proper music education, they learn powerful study habits. Mastering their specific musical craft takes a concerted effort, consistent practice and patience. These disciplined habits translate into other areas of study.
Improved Memory, Attention & Concentration: Music education involves a high level of memorisation. Students must be able to read music by sight, play the proper notes on their instrument or recall lyrics. This process benefits the overall memory centre of the brain. Music is also easily stored in our memory. Have you ever had a song stuck in your head? You can use music to help children remember things. Examples include using common tunes to memorise facts, playing meditative music during study time, and using music resources when presenting materials.
Builds Emotional Intelligence:one of the areas of life this is most important for is forming relationships. Musicians learn to listen to others, sense emotion, and react with greater depth and understanding.
Improved Motor Skills: Playing a musical instrument has long been known to enhance dexterity and hand-eye coordination. When playing an instrument, a musician must be able to create the correct notes through the proper hand motions, whether it be hitting keys, closing valves or using another apparatus to produce sound. In addition, the musician is also required to read the sheet music and follow the conductor. This opportunity to grow motor skills is especially significant in younger children.
Increased Self-belief, Achievement & Discipline: Music allows students to try something new and develop confidence as they master singing or playing an instrument. “When students are working towards a common goal, they appreciate that their ‘voice’ and interests are heard and understood by others. This joint effort creates a sense of secure acceptance that is critical to their self-esteem.” (PBS) The achievement of developing your musical skills, the confidence to share that music with friends and family, all create a positive state for your child’s self-belief.
Improved Creativity: Children who study the music can learn to think creatively. This kind of education can help them solve problems by thinking outside the box and realising that there may be more than one right answer. The ability to take notes and order them as such that you create a new melody, allowing the student an avenue to express themselves is positively creative way.
Improved Mental Health: 2020 has certainly been turbulent, COVID19 has seen a rise in Mental Health issues, however we have seen some interesting data regarding playing music and singing to help improve mental health. From the actual concentrated efforts of the structured lessons - even as we had to move online - the discipline of turning up and playing, the mindfulness required for learning in the class and the breathing required to deliver a performance. All these elements help with our students mental well-being.
We can help. No overcrowded classrooms. We teach the following in a one to one teaching environment: Guitar, Drums, Piano, Bass, Saxophone, Clarinet, Ukulele, Flute, Vocals/Singing, Violin / Fiddle & Music Theory.
Call the Bishopbriggs School of Music today : 0141 772 4333 to discuss your child’s music education.