Why I Think All Children Should Take Music Lessons
What is the first thing you think about when you hear the term “music lessons”? If it’s something like, “I don’t have time for that,” or “I can’t afford it,” then this article is for you! Music lessons teach kids so much more than just how to play an instrument. They also help children develop cognitive skills and learn about life through opera and jazz. So after reading this article, I hope your opinion of music lessons will change!
Music lessons are for everyone
Music lessons are for everyone, not just kids who want to be in a band or learn how to play an instrument. In fact, there are many benefits to taking music lessons that extend far beyond performing on stage. For example, music lessons can help kids with autism or ADHD improve their cognitive skills.
Music is all around us and it has a powerful ability to affect our emotions. That’s why I think it’s important for all children to take music lessons, so they can learn about life and themselves through the power of music!
Benefits of music lessons
There are many benefits to taking music lessons, and they extend far beyond just performing on stage. Here are some of the most important benefits:
1. Music lessons help children develop cognitive skills.
2. Music lessons teach children about life through opera and jazz.
3. Music lessons can help kids with autism or ADHD improve their cognitive skills.
4. Music is all around us and it has a powerful ability to affect our emotions.
5. Taking music lessons can help children learn about themselves through the power of music.
How to find a music teacher
If you’re interested in enrolling your child in music lessons, the first step is finding a good music teacher. Here are a few tips for finding a music teacher who is right for your child:
1. Ask around for recommendations. Chances are, someone you know has had their child take music lessons and they can recommend a good music teacher.
2. Do your research online. There are many websites that list music teachers in your area, so you can easily find one that meets your needs.
3. Talk to the teacher. This is probably the most important step, because you want to make sure the teacher is a good fit for your child. Ask the teacher about their teaching style and how they plan to help your child improve.
4. Ask for credentials. You would think this goes without saying, but too often this can be a question we forget to ask because we assume someone teaching a subject has formal training, and so we don’t ask.
It’s not uncommon for someone whose sole “formal” education in music to be the music lessons they took when they were a child, plus perhaps playing in band or orchestra while in school or college. We highly encourage this type of music education for your student, but not for their teacher.
In my travels for my own performances, and for performances by my students, I have come across other students trained by other instructors who have no formal music training beyond what we just mentioned. Unfortunately it’s quick to discern these students compared to others, because they often have poor hand position (important for both piano and violin), and cannot play as well as you would hope despite studying for years.
The person who provides music lessons for your child ideally should have a university degree in music. Formalized instruction provides your child’s music teacher with knowledge in all aspects of music.
My own formal music education started in High School while I attended the National Academy of Music on a full scholarship in Champaign, IL, studying violin with pedagogue Paul Rolland for 2 years. I received my Bachelor of Music Degree from Eastman School of Music in Violin Performance, and Masters Degree in Violin Performance from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City.
Music is all around us and it has a powerful ability to affect our emotions. That’s why I think it’s important for all children to take music lessons, so they can learn about life and themselves through the power of music!
If your child takes piano, violin, drums, guitar, etc., then chances are there will be benefits that extend far beyond just playing their chosen instrument at home. Music lessons teach children cognitive skills like reading notes and following directions; help them develop self-confidence; teach empathy by learning about different cultures; expose them to new ideas outside of what they may hear on TV, and open a new world of possibilities. Music is all around us and it has a powerful ability to affect our emotions. Taking music lessons can help children learn about themselves through the power of music!
So please, give your child this gift! It’s one that will keep giving back to them, long after they’ve become accomplished musicians!