1. BRAIN
POWER
Music and
math are very much connected. Musical
beat, rhythm, and scales introduced at an early age easily translate into
fractions, division and patterns. "More and more studies show a
correlation between higher academic achievements with children who are exposed
to music," says children's music specialist Meredith LeVande of
MonkeyMonkeyMusic.com. "Music simply stimulates parts of the brain that
are related to reading, math, and emotional development." Many studies have shown a direct correlation
between musical training and improved language development, IQ, Academic performance,
creativity, and problem solving skills.
2. IMPROVED
MEMORY
"Further
research has shown that participation in music at an early age can help improve
a child's learning ability and memory by stimulating different patterns of
brain development," says Maestro Eduardo Marturet, a conductor, composer
and musical director for the Miami Symphony Orchestra. Children with music training have significantly
better verbal memory that those without such training. The longer the training, the better the
verbal memory. (Ho,Y.C., Cheung, M.C.,
& Chan, A. 2003. Neuropsychology, 12)
3. SOCIALLY
"Socially,
children who become involved in a musical group or ensemble learn important
life skills, such as how to relate to others, how to work as a team and
appreciate the rewards that come from working together, and the development of
leadership skills and discipline," says Marturet, who also oversees the
MISO Young Artist program in South Florida, which allows young musicians to
hone their musical skills as part of a professional orchestra. Kids, spanning a wide age range, involved in an
orchestra will see value in each participating musician based on dedication, teamwork,
discipline, character, and perseverance; not value based on similar age.
4. CONFIDENCE
BUILDER
"They
find that they can develop a skill by themselves, that they can get better and
better," says Elizabeth Dotson-Westphalen, a music teacher and performer. Children who study a musical instrument are
more likely to excel in all of their studies, work better in teams, have
enhanced critical thinking skills, stay in school, and pursue further education.
5. TEACHES
PATIENCE
Music
practice refines discipline and patience.
There are no instant results; learning to play well means persevering
through hours, weeks and months of practice.
Children learn the concept of delayed gratification, improved patience,
and respect for a method they may not fully understand at the present moment.
6. IT CAN
HELP THEM CONNECT
Who doesn't
sometimes feel a little disconnected from their lives? Music can be a
much-needed connection between children and parents. "It can satisfy the need to unwind from
the worries of life …it makes people more alive and connected with one
another," says Michael Jolkovski, a psychologist who specializes in
musicians.
7. CONSTANT
LEARNING
In some
pursuits, you can never truly learn everything there is to know. Music is like
that. "It is inexhaustible -- there is always more to learn," says
Jolkovski. A good music teacher will
share with their students how they are still furthering their musical education;
how they are still pushing themselves.
8. EXPRESSION
How can
kids really express themselves? One great way is through the arts -- like
music. "It gives pleasure and expresses nuances of emotional life for
which there are no words," says Jolkovski.
Most importantly, music gives an expressive
dimension to our worship and individual communication with our Creator. Col3:23
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men”, when
music is practiced with this verse in mind, it becomes a sacrifice praise, not
just another academic.
9. DISCIPLINE
To improve
in music, you have to not only do well and pay close attention in class, but
devote regular time to daily practice. And
not just playing the instrument, but smart practice. That requires discipline. "Exposing kids to musical instruments is
the key. They are naturally curious and excited about them -- and the
discipline that parents AND kids learn by sticking with it is a lesson in
itself," says Mira Stulberg-Halpert of 3D Learner Inc., who works with
children who have ADHD.
10. CREATIVITY
Above all,
playing music -- particularly as kids get to more advanced levels in it -- is a
creative pursuit. Creatively is good for the mind, body and soul.
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