11 Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument: Why You Should Try
Everyone loves music. But there are also many benefits of learning to play an instrument. Give the lifelong gift of music to your kiddos at an early age. Check out our “Benefits of Learning the Piano” too for more scoop.
No matter the musical instrument they choose, they can grow from learning.
The gift of music truly lasts a lifetime. Learn what music skills can do for you and your kids…
Why Your Kids Should Learn a Musical Instrument
Besides the obvious happiness that comes from listening to music, there are tons of benefits to playing a musical instrument.
Whether you’re wanting to pick up an instrument again or learn a new instrument from the beginning, you can do it!
The Benefits of Learning to Play Music:
The process of learning a new instrument & continuing to practice has tons of benefits for kids & adults. No matter your age, you can reap these benefits!
1. Improve Coordination
Learning to move your fingers in specific patterns will increase your hand-eye coordination as you practice the strokes for each note. You improve movements that go along with each musical note, which allows you to increase coordination every time you practice. If you don’t have tons of coordination, this could be a big help!
2. Reading Music Improves Literacy Skills & Reasoning Skills
While learning to play an instrument, you will also learn to read sheet music. This helps to improve not only your musical reading abilities but also your reading and comprehension skills overall. Literacy improvement will help in every classroom at school!
“Children exposed to a multi-year program of music tuition involving training in increasingly complex rhythmic, tonal, and practical skills display superior cognitive performance in reading skills compared with their non-musically trained peers,” according to the journal Psychology of Music.
So by exposing your children or yourself to music, you’re increasing their cognitive function and literacy skills – a huge benefit later in life.
3. Increases Memory Capacity
Learning and playing music is a high-level activity that requires a lot of brain power. By working this muscle, you change the shape and makeup of the brain, which increases memory and cognitive skills.
It’s like a workout for your brain!
According to The Telegraph, “New research suggests that regularly playing an instrument changes the shape and power of the brain and may be used in therapy to improve cognitive skills.”
4. Improve Concentration
If you have children who struggle to focus, or you yourself struggle to focus, learning an instrument can help you practice focusing in a fun way. While learning and practicing, you must constantly focus on the music, notes, and movements to make with your hands, in addition to many other factors.
5. Achieve Something You Thought You Couldn’t
The sense of achievement that anyone feels when they begin to understand how to play a musical instrument is fantastic. It is a great feeling to know you conquered a difficult task.
This can be especially important for younger children.
6. Build Confidence
Achieving a difficult goal builds confidence. Children feel a sense of, “I can do anything!” which can be a great motivator to want to achieve more.
Hearing an audience applaud your performance is also a positive affirmation and source of encouragement for anyone of any age.
7. Bring Happiness into Life
Music = happiness. Well, maybe not when you’re first learning. But once you get the hang of it, it’s a great stress reliever that’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
It can also bring your family together if multiple people take up playing an instrument.
8. Better Organizational & Time Management Skills
In learning to read music and play an instrument, your brain becomes efficient in time management because you have to learn how to organize and manage your time while learning. You will also have many commitments for practices, rehearsals, and shows that you will have to keep track of.
9. Teach Responsibility
Taking care of a musical instrument is similar to taking care of a pet. There is a lot of work that must go into taking care of your instrument, cleaning it, and storing it safely…there are countless lessons to be learned.
10. Reduce Stage Fright/Shyness by Getting Yourself Out of Your Comfort Zone
All the best things happen outside of your comfort zone. If you have stage fright or shyness, playing an instrument can be a great way to build up these skills. By playing on a small stage, you can get over your shyness. Or even just playing for your family!
11. Increase Lung Efficiency & Respiratory System with Wind Instruments & Voice
Nearly every wind instrument requires the use of and control of airflow. These instruments include the flute and clarinet, as well as voice lessons.
You must blow, hum, or take huge breaths in order to have enough air to play different notes. In many classes, they will practice breathing exercises to improve the amount of air they can take in, so this is always a plus! (It’s a mini workout for your respiratory system.)
While it is true that you need to control your breathing while playing most instruments, piano and string instruments control the airflow because it can help with rhythm and timing, but you aren’t actually pushing air through the instrument. You will still learn to control your breathing, but for different reasons!
Now that you know the benefits of learning to play an instrument, where can you learn to play? We’ve got resources for you.
Where to Learn a Musical Instrument?
Bach to Rock, Leawood, KS
A Music School for All Ages & Skill Levels
Bach to Rock Leawood offers a different approach to music education. Not only do they provide private music lessons, but they also encourage students to play at live events, performing with peers. And they let the kids choose which types of songs and genres they play.
The result? Students become well-rounded musicians, enjoy the learning process, have fun with music, and get to chart their own artistic journey!
These are just a few of the most popular programs and features you’ll find at Bach to Rock, Leawood, KS, music school..,
Private & Semi-Private Lessons
Offering private music lessons, as well as semi-private lessons for small groups of two or three students. The kids work closely with experienced, expert musicians in weekly lessons, building confidence and skills with their instruments.
Band & Glee Club Programs
Students at Bach to Rock Leawood are encouraged to play with peers in their Band and Glee Club programs. These ensemble programs teach growing musicians how to perform with other artists while having an absolute blast in weekly jam sessions.
Live Events at Music Venues
Their approach includes live events, like Battle of the Bands, Music Showcase, and Bachapalooza. These events and performances help the kids grow as musicians, becoming more comfortable and confident on stage.
Early Childhood Classes
Their early childhood programs are perfect for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary students. These fun-filled classes introduce the kids to musical instruments and concepts, preparing them for a lifetime of music!
Music Camps & Parties
In addition to lessons and classes, Bach to Rock provides music birthday parties, and camps too. At their camps and parties, kids can play real instruments with friends — even if they’ve never taken music lessons before!
Lori’s School of Music
Lori’s School of music has been providing private lessons and piano classes. Lori also teaches music theory, rhythm, and more. Classes are available for beginners as well as experienced. Follow Lori’s School of Music on Facebook to stay informed. Contact Lori today for information on getting started. 816-478-4838
Shining Light Music, Lee’s Summit, MO
No matter which instrument you want to learn, Shining Light Music is the place for you! Their team can help you choose which instrument you’d like to learn and get you started with instruments, accessories, books, and resources on their site.
You can find the rates for Instrument Rentals online, as well as the rental application. There is also detailed information about which instruments they can repair. You can call 816.347.0099 to get a free quote on repair costs.
Currently, Shining Light Music Offers:
- Instrument Rentals
- Instrument Repairs
- Some Virtual Lessons
- Private Lessons
Lessons: Virtual & Private Options Available
You can find the full list of teachers & classes online, but not every teacher is able to teach virtual music lessons right now.
Call to discuss which instrument you would like to learn, and Shining Light Music can match you with an instructor who is available. Private and virtual lesson options depend on each individual teacher.
Many of their instructors teach private lessons, so that is always an option.
Check out our “Benefits of Learning the Piano” too for more scoop.
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