There is plenty of research that shows learning an instrument has long lasting neurological benefits. But, what about the life lessons that are learnt through music?
As parents, we want to give our children the best life possible andamp; give them every advantage possible. This includes extra curricular activities like piano lessons. Especially when we read that it can help them in school.
Neurological Benefits
Piano lessons are unique in that multiple parts of the brain are working at the same time while playing. And, this can have great results in other areas of life.
Better at school?
Many parents have read or heard that their child will do better in school if they study a music instrument. And, there is research that somewhat supports this.
Children who study piano and other instruments have:
- Increased motor control. This includes finger dexterity, especially with their non-dominant hand. (check out this study)
- More sensitivity in hearing differences between melody and rhythm patterns. (check out this study)
- Larger anterior corpus callosum, the nerve fibers that connect and allow both sides of the brain to communicate. (check out this study)
- Positive changes in the hippocampus. This is area of the brain we educators are especially interested in! It controls how we learn, both in terms of memory and learning new information/skills. It also controls the emotions and motivation needed to persevere during the early stages of learning something new.
This is where a lot of parents stop. The assumption is that if their child learns an instrument they will automatically get better at all of the above things.
And, your child will over time. But, it takes consistent effort and practice.
Life Lessons Through Music
When I look back on the decades that I have played piano and developed my craft, none of the above reasons make it to my list of reasons why someone should learn to play piano.
Some of the life lessons learnt through music include:
- We don’t have to be perfect at something the first time. Or, even the fifth.
- Learning a new skill takes time and effort.
- When practicing is always easy it means we are closing ourselves to new learning.
- Practicing a new skill can feel uncomfortable and frustrating.
- It’s okay to ask for help when we need it.
- There are many ways to express how we feel (both positive and negative) … even without words.
- When one way of doing something does not work, try another. Experiment!
- “There are no mistakes. Just happy accidents.” (Bob Ross quote)
These are the life lessons that my husband and I focus on with our own children. They are the lessons that will help them in school, life and their future careers.
Life Lessons Taught In Our Studio
At Must Love Music, we focus on helping students learning skills they can apply to the rest of their life. Both current and future.
We use music as a way to:
- Express feelings,
- Expand our abilities,
- Practice these important life lessons when the stakes are much lower.
Learning Life Lessons With Piano Lessons
Whether your child learns piano or another instrument, learning life lessons through music is a powerful way to prepare your child for the future.
What are some of the life lessons learnt through music that I might have missed?
Let me know in the comments below!
If this approach to piano lessons looks good to you, click to set up an interview to join our online piano studio!