Why Music?
I often get asked the question: “Why music?” Here are my top five answers to that question along with some helpful links to help you learn.
If you're reading this, you probably have a positive outlook on music. Most everyone has a favorite song or a song they play when they’re feeling blue. Most people would probably say that they enjoy music, but not everyone seems to understand the purpose of learning music. The questions I am often asked are, “Why should I learn how to play music?” or “Why should my kids take lessons?” or “How is music going to benefit my child?”
While the reasons to invest in music education are practically endless, let me give you a 5 quick reasons as to why you/your child should learn an instrument:
1: You can have more than one hobby.
The list of musicians who are athletes, politicians, doctors, and any other profession is long. So don’t ever worry that music will slow you down. In fact, many hobbies recommend using music to help improve your skills.
Having played in community bands across the country, I can honestly say most members of these groups did not major in music but are life long learners. Music is an outlet they can enjoy their entire life - well into their retirement years. You can’t say that about playing football.
2. Music may make you smarter.
One of the best kept secrets in education is that the kids in band, orchestra, choir, piano ensemble, and any of the other music classes are typically smarter (get better test grades) than those who are not involved in music!
Another little known fact: if it weren’t for a pianist who joined forces with an actress, we may not have GPS or WiFi today! Being “Impossibly Talented” is a common trait among musicians.
Dr. Peter Gouzouasis is quoted saying, "The students who learned to play a musical instrument in elementary and continued playing in high school not only score significantly higher, but were about one academic year ahead of their non-music peers with regard to their English, mathematics and science skills, as measured by their exam grades, regardless of their socioeconomic background, ethnicity, prior learning in mathematics and English, and gender." (See the full article here)
Dr. Gouzouasis’ research has been picked up by many news outlets. Forbes.com notes:
"This is not the first study to link music lessons to school performance, but several of the previous studies didn’t correct for students’ prior performance or for socioeconomic background. One paper that’s often mentioned in the context of the link between music practice and academic success is a 2008 article showing that Nobel Laureates in the sciences were more likely to have a musical hobby than other people (including other scientists).”
The research goes on and on and on … If you interested more about this topic here are a few more links:
Six More Benefits to Music Lessons
What to know about Music and Education
3: Why not play music?
Enrolling your kids in a wide range of activities is important for their overall mental and physical health. I believe music is part of a balanced life. Some kids may take to music right away, some may need a little bit of a push, but you never know unless you try!
4: Learning music is good for the brain.
Instead of describing this myself, allow me to point you to a great TedTalk about this:
5. It’s Fun!
Learning music and being able to play music with others is fun! If you’d like to learn more, schedule a lesson with the button below and see how music can benefit your life.