But it goes beyond that one psychological benefit of musiceducation. There are so many reasons that playing piano, guitar, joining marching band, etc. can benefit kids as they grow up and even into adulthood. This isn't to say they need to be masters at their chosen instrument. Even if there's no intent to take their skills to a professional level, there are so many cognitive benefits of playing music that come with just the act of practicing the skill.
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Dr. Heather Liebert, a psychologist with Kaiser Permanente in Northern California, tells Parade, "Regular [instrument] practice results in improved concentration and focus [and] encourages perseverance and discipline."
"Kids who learn instruments learn how to stay with something that's difficult," she says, adding, "They've had the experience of making mistakes, hitting a plateau and experiencing gradual growth, and they learn the life lesson that growth comes from consistent practice, not instant success."
Dr. Joseph Jones, a licensed psychologist, board-certified music therapist and pediatric neuropsychology fellow at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, MD, adds that learning an instrument gives kids tangible growth markers.
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3 Reasons Why Learning an Instrument as a Kid Is So Important
"Learning an instrument leads to accelerated cognitive development as it is one of the few activities that activates many areas of the brain at once," says Dr. Liebert.
2. Makes kids feel capable
Another valuable lesson is that instruments teach kids that they are accomplished and intelligent.
"Adults who learned an instrument as children often show stronger auditory processing skills, such as understanding speech in noisy environments, along with better auditory working memory," says Dr. Jones.
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1. Social connection
Dr. Liebert concurs, adding that playing an instrument "becomes a bridge for connecting with peers, mentors and community."
"When kids play a musical instrument, they learn how to be patient and deal with anger by sitting still while frustrated," he says, adding, "They learn to have an outlet for their emotions."
3. Fine motor skills
Dr. Doshay says that practicing music is "a good way for kids to express themselves as well as deal with stress in a positive manner."
5. Family time
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Are There Any Downsides To Learning an Instrument Young?
Dr. Vigliotti says that parents should also be cognizant of not over-scheduling their kids in music activities. "Particularly young kids, but all kids, need free play, friendships and rest," she says.
"We all have an innate musicality. Infants respond to rhythm and sound. Unfortunately, at some point, many of us get the message that with music, we have to do it 'right' or not at all," says Dr. Rudo-Stern. She encourages parents to focus on support rather than perfection.
She continues, adding, "Some adults hold a lot of shame from early, negative experiences with music. Those who were encouraged, however, can carry that throughout life and continue to use music to connect with others and to be playful, creative, joyful and present, in music and beyond."
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Sources:
Dr. Joseph Jones is a licensed psychologist, board-certified music therapist and pediatric neuropsychology fellow at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, MD.Dr. Heather Liebert is a psychologist with Kaiser Permanente in Northern California.Dr. Amy Vigliotti is a licensed psychologist and founder at SelfWorks, a group private therapy practice in New York.Dr. Jenna Rudo-Stern is a pediatric psychologist at Phoenix Children's.Dr. Max Doshay is a clinical psychologist and co-founder and CEO of KMN Psych.Hence then, the article about 3 psychologists agree this is the biggest benefit of learning an instrument as a kid was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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