HOO’s learning www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com
13
Music
MATTERS
Researchers at the University of Southern
California Brain and Creativity Institute recently
published results of a five-year study that links
music appreciation and instruction to accelerated
brain development in young children, especially
in the auditory system of the brain that is also
key in language and reading skills development.
This finding builds upon previous studies that
discovered differences in brain structure between
musicians and non-musicians, and it adds yet
another developmental benefit to the ones that
have been identified by childhood development
experts. Let’s explore further how including music
instruction in your child’s list of activities can benefit
their academic, physical, social, and emotional
development.
helps develop motor skills and coordination
Playing a musical instrument involves moving your
arms, hands and with some instruments, your feet,
so it is a good way to develop coordination and motor
skills. This is especially true with string instruments
like the violin and keyboard, which require the right
and left hands to make different motions. Also,
playing pieces of music involves being able to keep
time, a skill that helps in areas like dance and sports.
Helps build understanding of math concepts
Music and math are inseparable. Math concepts like
patterns and fractions are important in music theory.
Belonging teaches social skills
When your child participates in a band or chorus, she
learns about waiting patiently for her turn to practice
or perform. The members of the band or chorus have
to work together to learn the proper timing and
notes of the pieces they are working on. As your child
becomes experienced, she may be offered leadership
opportunities in the band or chorus.
teaches kids how to work towards Goals
Learning how to properly hold an instrument, read
music, and play notes and scales has to come first
before learning your favorite song, and it can take
weeks, even months, of daily practice before your
child reaches this goal. Hard work will be needed
to reach her next goal and take her skills to the next
level.
Music instruction builds confidence
Overcoming that initial steep learning curve and
seeing progress in her skills as a musician provides
a big boost to your child’s self-confidence. This
confidence will become even stronger as time goes
on and she takes on increasingly difficult challenges,
like playing a solo or trying out for honors chorus.
introducing music skills & appreciation
Babies and very young children can start participating
in music appreciation at home. Play some music and
sing and dance with your kids. Find some musical
toys, such as tambourines and maracas, designed for
young kids and have them play along with the music.
There are also introductory music classes for young
kids and beginning musicians offered locally like at
CSU’s Schwob School of Music and local music store,
Everything Musical.
When selecting a first instrument and a music
instruction program for your child, definitely take
into account your child’s personality. Does she have
the maturity to handle the challenge and the hard
work involved with learning a new instrument? A
group piano lesson may be a good introduction for
a young child before she selects an instrument and
starts private lessons.
MUSIC RESOURCES FOR LESSONS AND EXPERIENCES:
Schwob School of Music: musicprep.columbusstate.edu
Everything Musical: everything-musical.com
Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra: yogc.org/us
Columbus Symphony Orchestra: csoga.org/education
RiverCenter of Performing Arts: rivercenter.org
/musicprep.columbusstate.edu
/everything-musical.com
/us
/education
/rivercenter.org
