I started music at the age of three. I remember my parents piling all three of us
in the car one day and driving off to the local Suzuki school of music. They wouldn’t tell us where we were going, but
that day changed my path in life forever.
I’m sure of it and for the better.
I could go on and on about statistics to
show my point, but if you’re online (which you probably are if you are reading
this) then you can find them yourself.
These are reasons of why kids should learn
a musical instrument based on my own experience of learning from a young age.
Focus
This is the main reason I have recently put
my own son into piano. He has a hard
time focussing on anything other than the computer. I’m not going to lie; practice time every day
is a struggle with him. I am, however,
very conscious of the fact that maybe if we struggle a bit now, he will
struggle less later on in life if we are able to develop his ability to focus now. Music developed my focus and I’m betting on
it doing the same for him.
Coordination,
dexterity and memory
Learning coordination and dexterity works the
brain. So while kids are learning
coordination and dexterity they are also getting a brain workout which helps in
school and other activities. Besides who
doesn’t love having coordination and dexterity?
They’re awesome! Playing an
instrument also develops memory. Part of
the process of learning and performing a piece is repetition which develops the
memory. All are very handy in life.
Work
ethic
This is the one that I saw a huge
difference with other kids my age when growing up. My work ethic was so developed early on in
life that when I went to college I didn’t struggle with the massive change in
workload like some of my other colleagues.
Sitting down and studying for hours was not
a problem. Writing long papers came
relatively easy to me.
Discipline
and structure
When kids have a regular routine that is
beneficial to their development (beneficial means NOT coming home, throwing
their jacket on the floor and heading straight for the Xbox) they learn
personal discipline and develop structure in their own little world.
They learn that they are not going to die
if they sit down at the piano for 30 minutes (or however long depending on
their level and age). They learn this
and then start to realise that they are not going to die if they do other
things they don’t really feel like doing like taking out the garbage or you
know….homework. Learning discipline and
building structure early on in life will stay with them. Especially when you’re no longer there to
keep them on track.
There are lots of benefits to learning a
musical instrument at a young age. I’ve
met a lot of adults who regret not learning one when they were younger. I have yet to meet one who regrets actually learning
one.
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