Editorial

Music is good for you and your child

Music is said to be the food for one’s soul. It opens one’s mind to new ways of self-expression through performance and display. Learning music helps build one’s cognitive skills

  • PublishedDecember 17, 2013

Music is said to be the food for one’s soul. It opens one’s mind to new ways of self-expression through performance and display. Learning music helps build one’s cognitive skills through calling for attention, memorising, producing and understanding a language, solving problems, making decisions, practicing and comprehending.

Benefits accrued to children and youth

When a child performs a new or familiar piece, he feels validated and in control of his musical skills and actions. As the child continues to discover new and exciting pieces to play, he becomes dedicated in music and seeks to explore more. Of course, he continues with other demands of life such as schoolwork, but you will notice a difference in the way he engages in his activities.

Research shows that students who engage in music and sporting activities tend to do much better in their classes and ultimately their grades are on average higher than those who don’t. Many parents agree that enrolling children in all kinds of sports is a good way to condition them physically, socially and even mentally. They tend to be better adjusted and have more confidence. Enrolling them in music certainly adds to these overall benefits.

Additional skills that come with learning of music include understanding of music notation, rhythm, meter, key, harmony and music interpretation. One learns to execute notes, discover how to play softly or loudly, manipulate his fingers to get best results and follow the trends of famous musical performers. When all this is happening, the child’s mind is sharpened and trained to look for details, develop his individuality and derive joy and satisfaction in his performances.

It has been observed that students involved in music lessons tend to have a larger word vocabulary, better reading ability and agility than those without any musical training. Part of the explanation is that music lessons deal with many new concepts and include the use of non-English words such as Allegro (fast), Staccato (in a detached manner) which add to the learners’ vocabulary.

Playing the piano helps learners develop strong discipline skills, patience, coordination and dedication. It also reduces incidences of depression and anxiety, uplifts one’s spirit and boosts self-esteem. Children and young adults who take piano playing further may very well discover career opportunities in such forums as choir training, the orchestra, studio musicians, high class hotels gigs, sound track musicians, churches and corporate groups.

Benefits accrued to adults

Generally, making music can help reduce all manner of stress, both at the work place, home and among friends. For some people, the joy of piano playing contributes to personal development of skills such coordination, focus and attention to detail, as well as appreciation of history, art, literature and architecture.

As one gets more involved in various musical activities, parts of the brains, which respond to the arts, are developed further. While indeed piano playing has many benefits for your brain, the beautiful instruments add splendor to your home as you enjoy entertaining family and friends. It is also a lasting investment in your life.

After a long day at work, it is refreshing to spend some time just playing music on a good instrument for your relaxation and enjoyment. Performance activities can also be extended to such occasions like Christmas time, birthdays, weddings, and family reunions. So go ahead and enjoy music, it is good for you and your child.

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