An endless list of researchers have proven that learning how to play an instrument contributes significantly to a child’s cognitive abilities. For instance, if you’re wondering where else your kids can develop outstanding hand-eye coordination away from violent video games, get them to learn how to play an instrument. In fact, depending on the instrument, they will also develop motor skills that extend to their arms, legs and feet.
Music students also tend to do better in math, demonstrate advanced reasoning and work better in teams. Additionally, studies have revealed that the left side of the brain, which is responsible for processing language, develops more when a young mind is exposed to musical training.
1. Keep Academics on Track
Many musicians naturally tend to excel in math. Since musical scores measure beat, rhythm, and scales, playing an instrument can help a young person develop critical thinking skills that are highly beneficial for excelling in math. Studying music also helps enhance the player’s IQ and cognitive abilities.2. Fine Tune Motor Skills
Kids who play instruments often develop outstanding hand-eye coordination as well as other motor skills. Many instruments, such as drums or a piano, require the child to use their hands, arms, legs, and feet. In fact, a percussion instrument is often an effective tool for hyperactive kids to channel their energy in a positive way. Some musicians might also excel at physical activities like sports and dance, as well.3. Score on Social Skills
A child who plays an instrument will not only understand the elements of a song, but they also develop a better understanding of how to work in a team environment. Playing as part of a group helps kids learn communication skills and encourages positive interactions among peers as well. Via NoHo Arts District
While music students are putting in practice hours on their instruments, a lot of their peers are being kicked out of school for getting into fights or taking alcohol or drugs. Simply put, music education keeps kids out of trouble by giving them something to do during their free time that.
Instead of getting pressured into all sorts of inappropriate activities, they get a sense of fulfillment at enhancing their musical skills – and enjoying themselves while at it. Music education has even become a form of rehabilitation for kids that have gone as far as juvenile prison:
Five years ago, a nonprofit based in Austin, Texas, partnered with a juvenile justice center to help students behind bars finish their high school education with a different kind of hands-on approach: learning classical guitar.
Learning classical guitar helps kids in trouble change their tune
Via PBS
Medical students ultimately become doctors – or something close to that. For music students, their job prospects may not be so obvious, but it’s also wrong to assume that the career options for music graduates are narrow. In reality, music graduates actually go on to fill a wide range of positions in various industries.
Music graduates end up in publishing, editing, media production, broadcasting and even marketing. While a number will work with professional ensembles, not all of them end up as performing musicians. Instead, many actually end up in managerial roles.
Typical conservatory education tells students that there are usually two paths to success with a music degree.
The first path is getting a job in an orchestra or professional ensemble (or cast, for musical theater majors). The second path is teaching, either in a high school or university, the latter of which actually requires an additional two degrees on top of a Bachelor’s in most instances.
The very best path, according to most conservatories’ ideals, is playing in an ensemble and teaching simultaneously. Having a chamber group on the side is a big plus.
While this career path can be exceptionally rewarding to those who are passionate about the vocations of teaching and performing in orchestras, the reality is that there are many, many more options that are available to those who have a music degree.
In fact, whether you can believe it or not, there are over 70+ exceptional and yes, lucrative careers you can pursue with a music degree.
That’s right – over 70(!) careers are available to those with a music degree. I bet you never knew that. Via Music School Central
In addition to their career options being broad, music students also tend to be successful at everything they do. This is probably the reason why they fit so well into all types of careers once they graduate. They have developed into well-rounded individuals that stand out from the crowd.
CONDOLEEZZA RICE trained to be a concert pianist. Alan Greenspan, former chairman of the Federal Reserve, was a professional clarinet and saxophone player. The hedge fund billionaire Bruce Kovner is a pianist who took classes at Juilliard. Via New York Times
The list is endless:
From Visually.
Featured Image: Image Credit
“Learning an instrument has great impact on teenage cognition.” http://t.co/gJq9ScXzcz via @po_st #musiceducation pic.twitter.com/Fi8K93F6ma
— NAfME (@NAfME) October 8, 2015
Research show #musiced grows and permanently improves neural networks like no other activity: http://t.co/7vgtgqn1PB pic.twitter.com/TAkhuNy5wl — Give A Note (@GiveANote) October 8, 2015
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As a sometime musician, it’s only natural that I want my four-year-old daughter to take an interest in music. Sure, it’s a fun bonding activity, and sure, there may be a bit of a stage dad lurking inside me at times. But I’m also convinced of the tangible benefits playing a musical instrument can have on one’s personal development. New science, it seems, backs up this intuition. The Washington Post reported last year on a recent study from Northwestern University which found that “Music training not only helps children develop fine motor skills, but aids emotional and behavioral maturation as well.”
When you think of a “typical” music student, you might picture a 7-year-old girl, sitting nervously in front of a piano, her tiny fingers resting lightly on the keys. Several decades ago, you may have even been that little girl. Well, if you think that musical instruments are just for kids, it’s probably time to update your soundtrack. There are plenty of reasons people over 50 should consider adding a little music to their lives. Via Open Culture
