There are many advantages to learning music and playing a musical instrument. The most obvious advantage is simply adding to and expanding your education. The more a student learns about music, the more enjoyment and appreciation they will have when listening to music. Other reasons can also be quite beneficial.

          Learning how to play an instrument can add a sense of accomplishment. During the course of instruction, students will be given assignments to practice during the week. Students will have the benefit of managing their time in order to discipline themselves to complete their assignments. This responsibility can help children structure their free time and see progress through their practice and hard work. This can add to their confidence -knowing that they can set and achieve goals. (In the beginning, it should be the parents who show their children how to structure and prioritize their time and discipline themselves to practice. Parents should also encourage and reward setting goals. Once the confidence and desire to achieve is set, then parents can slowly give more responsibility to their children so that they can do this independently.)

          Music can also be good for brain development and setting the stage for other academics. When one learns violin or piano, they learn to use both hands. Using both hands helps you develop both sides of your brain. It builds stronger neural connections of both your right and left brain hemispheres. Reading music alongside moving your hands, fingers, and arms also helps build a stronger relationship between your brain and hand-eye coordination. In addition, music is both an exact science as well as an artistic form of human expression. Developing both sides of the brain is important because both sides have relationships with other academics and skills: sports, chess, math, science, language, organizational skills, creativity, etc.. Most people neglect one side over the other, causing them to be much more dominant and dependant on one side. Studies have shown that children who have a musical background have better coordination and fine motors skills than other children.

          Music also is very mathematical and precise. Notes are written in specific rhythmic form and sound in exact spatial intervals. Rhythm and intervals are counted with numbers. They are added and subtracted as well as placed in “fractions” within a measure. This develops logical and spatial skills. Studies have also shown that children who study music are more prepared and perform better in math, science and engineering.

          Music is also an art form. Music has style and its sound gives imagery. This develops creativity by developing imagination and the senses. When someone learns how to play an instrument well, they add beauty to the world. Many people can be moved by their performance and enjoy their gifts. Music can bring a sense of enjoyment to the individual’s life as well.

          Music can also be wonderful when experienced in a group. Playing music with others, whether professionally or recreationally, can be another added sense of joy to one’s life. Music can open the doors for friendship and fun.

          Through one-to-one study, a music student receives complete attention in their lesson. There is no room for day-dreaming, passing notes, or any other problems that can interfere with paying attention to the teacher. The student is consistently asked to perform tasks, listen, and answer questions. This helps develop listening skills and concentration which can benefit anyone in almost any situation.

          With all of these highlights, musical instruction can add so much to a person’s life. Unfortunately, many schools have drastically or completely cut funding for art programs and have limited a child’s exposure to these advantages. By adding private music lessons to your child’s education, you can give your child the gift of music for a lifetime.