If you’re reading this article, you likely already know that taking music lessons provides children with many benefits that go way beyond being able to play an instrument. The abilities strengthened through music study—self-regulation, the ability to focus, fine motor skills, emotional sensitivity, memorization skills, persistence, resilience—can transfer to other disciplines and domains, improving quality of life and developing character. [1]  Music holds the potential for social, emotional and psychological transformation which empowers youth to take their place as fully-functioning, contributing members of society. 

 Tom Barnes discusses the cognitive benefits of studying music that scientific studies have revealed:

*  Improves reading and verbal skills.

*  Improves mathematical and spatial-temporal reasoning.

*  Improves school grades.

*  Raises IQ.

*  Improves language skills and helps learn languages more quickly

*  Improves listening skills and guards against hearing loss

*  Slows cognitive decline associated with aging

*  Strengthens the brain’s motor cortex

*  Improves working memory

*  Improves long-term memory for visual stimuli

*  Improves ability to cope with anxiety

*  Enhances self-confidence and self-esteem

*  Increases creativity

It seems studying music makes us better at just about everything!  Neuroscientists say studying music enhances overall brain development because the multi-sensory nature and complexity of music requires us to give just about every area of our brain a good workout. [2]  Albert Bandura [3] says developing the cognitive and self-regulatory skills required for mastering a musical instrument gives us more choice over the experiences which will come to shape our identity and our lives.

But none of that is why I am happy my parents enrolled me in music lessons.  The value of music study for me is found in the development of musicianship and character.  Because of its abstract nature, music opens the mind and provides an avenue to enter a unique spiritual dimension — to explore ourselves and express our creativity in unique ways.  I know of nothing else that can match or modify our emotions, calm our mind, or uplift and energize us, leaving us excited about life.  Playing, or even listening to music can raise our awareness of the common human condition helping us feel connected to each other.  This is what makes life worthwhile. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Leave a comment to let us know what music means to you.

 You can read more about Tom Barnes’ article here. 

[1] (Hallam, 2010, p. 277). 

[2]. Levitin

[3] Bandura, A. (2001).