Learning how to play a musical instrument is a beneficial pursuit for young people, and certainly something you should consider for your child if you’re looking for a hobby for them. If you’re unsure, I have teamed up with a prep school in Surrey to explore some of the benefits of learning an instrument.
Enhances Coordination
Playing an instrument is great for helping to develop a child’s hand-eye coordination and motor skills. With most instruments, they will have to use both hands while also reading music, so multitasking is also a key element.
Encourages Perseverance
Becoming proficient at a musical instrument takes time and dedication. Your child will have to practise regularly; it’s not a skill that they will master overnight. With this in mind, learning an instrument teaches children the importance of perseverance, which is key to success.
Improves Memory
Studies have found that learning an instrument is also great for improving memory and overall cognitive abilities. With that said, it’s a hobby that will likely also support your child’s learning in other areas.
Aids Relaxation
Another benefit of learning an instrument is that it can support a child’s mental health. It requires full focus, which can distract children from any stress they might be experiencing. As a result, it can have a calming effect and help a child relax.
Boosts Confidence
When children become more proficient in a certain skill, they become increasingly more confident. They might receive applause and praise when playing their instrument in front of others, which is great for their self-esteem, but even if they are not playing to an audience, they will experience a sense of accomplishment every time they successfully perform a piece of music.
So, as you can see, there are lots of reasons why you might want to encourage your child to learn an instrument. However, there are plenty of other extra-curricular activities they could choose from, so be sure to encourage them to pursue something that actually interests them, otherwise it will be a waste of everyone’s time and money.
