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It’s a running joke that parents invest in earplugs when the recorders come home in fourth grade. Who doesn’t love the melodious strains of Hot Cross Buns? But did you know that learning to play a musical instrument can give your child a sense of accomplishment and a confidence boost? It can support motor and cognitive skills that benefit kids in other areas, helping them succeed in school and social settings. There are so many great reasons to give your child the gift of music lessons. However, don’t push too early or too hard. Listen to your child, and follow your parental instincts regarding timing.
How Can Learning A Musical Instrument Benefit My Child?
In the last decade, several fascinating studies have shown that playing an instrument is food for kids’ brains. Learning to play an instrument can bring improved cognitive skills and other benefits. A 2014 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry looked at MRI images of children’s brain cortexes. It showed that learning an instrument can help children manage anxiety, focus attention and regulate emotions. MRI images of children’s brain cortexes. Another recent study suggests that playing an instrument boosts listening skills, visual attention and memory by enhancing neural networks. Learning a musical instrument can help kids:
- Improve academic and social success
- Improve executive function and emotional regulation
- Develop motor skills
- Build social skills
- Enhance discipline and goal-setting
- Boost self-esteem and confidence
- Support mental health by providing an outlet for stress
Can Music Therapy Help My Child?
Music therapy is an excellent option for children with mental health or developmental challenges. High-quality music therapy can improve communication skills in children with autism and offer benefits for children with ADHD. It can also help children process information and offer kinesthetic learning opportunities for children with different learning styles. Talk with your pediatrician if you have questions about this increasingly popular treatment option.
When Should My Child Start Music Lessons?
We’ve all seen precocious preschoolers wowing audiences with their musical gifts. Some children may be ready to take on the challenge of learning to play an instrument at a young age. However, most kids aren’t developmentally ready to take on a musical instrument until kindergarten or later. We want to ensure their attention span and motor skills are well-developed. Starting too early can backfire if your child doesn’t have the stamina or emotional regulation to sit through a lesson. However, if your child shows intense interest before age five, you can certainly give it a shot. Conversely, it’s never too late to start a new instrument. Older children and teens can also benefit from music instruction and the social connections being part of an ensemble provides.
What Are The Best Instruments For Kids?
Young children don’t always have the strength or motor skills to play every instrument.
Many experts recommend starting young children with gateway instruments. Recorders can create a natural path to clarinets, flutes and other woodwinds. A ukulele is a precursor to a guitar that’s easy for little hands to manipulate. We generally recommend waiting until your child’s permanent teeth come in to start reed instruments because of the potential impact on dental development. We generally recommend waiting until age 6 for string instruments like the violin because of the motor skills involved. Still, there are always exceptions for kids with a demonstrated interest in music.
When Should I Let My Child Quit Their Musical Instrument?
Many of us have been there: your child refuses to practice and resists going to lessons. Parents resort to bribes and threats. Of course, we want to encourage children to stick with activities once they commit, but how long should parents choose battles when their child doesn’t want to play anymore? It may be time to let your child quit if they routinely become anxious or angry about music lessons or if the resistance disrupts family life. And remember, there’s nothing wrong with switching instruments–sometimes, it’s a natural evolution.
How Can I Set My Child Up For Success With A Musical Instrument?
One of the most essential secrets to success is giving your child agency. Follow their lead on choosing an instrument. Avoid forcing an instrument on them because you wish you’d played as a child. Other tips include:
- Find a qualified teacher with experience with young children.
- Focus on their development rather than perfection.
- Add practice time to their routine and encourage a sense of fun instead of making it a chore.
- Start a musical environment when they’re little, so playing is associated with joy.
- Show them your love of music before they start lessons.
Your pediatrician is an excellent resource for finding extracurricular activities that are right for your child. At Loudoun Pediatric Associates, we love helping our young patients and their families find what they love. We’re always happy to answer questions about developmental readiness for music lessons and provide music therapy referrals for excellent local providers.