3 Ways Music Lessons Can Raise Happy Children
Whoever said that music could heal the soul
is probably on the right track. Many studies show that it could benefit both
the mind and body - especially of children.
Parents, if you want to develop your
child's abilities, you might want to sign them up for some music courses. With
this pandemic around, you can enroll them in kids' piano lessons,
even if you're in the other state. The efforts can be worth it because of the
following:
1. It Can Improve Their Academic Performance
Learning music is tough, but that's a good
thing since it trains the brain to perform complex tasks. In a 2018 study
in Frontiers, the researchers learned that music lessons could:
- Help develop their language
- Improve their short-term memory
- Enhance their analytical skills
- Encourage them to think or reason logically
- Decrease inhibition
- Boost planning skills
Not only that, but this type of large-scale
research also showed that children could carry these newly developed skills to
their academics. When followed up after nearly three years, those who received
music lessons had more superior cognitive abilities than those who didn't even
if they took the same school curriculum.
2. It Can Help Them Communicate and Understand Concepts
Better and Faster
A 2020 Japanese study cited that the way the brain behaves seems to be different between
Western and Japanese classical musicians. However, regardless of these
variations, which might be primarily due to culture, they still displayed
better rhythmic prediction than non-musicians.
Music lessons can teach someone
association, which is an essential foundation in communication. Just imagine
how you learn the lyrics to a Beyonce track or why you can correctly guess the
song's title the moment you hear the first few beats. Association is also the
reason musicians knowthe succeeding notes.
3. It Can Decrease the Risk of Depression
The data compiled by the Child Mind
Institute revealed that bipolar disorder and depression affect at least 14% of
the teens. The risk for mood disorders also doubles between 13 and 18 years
old.
Factors such as distorted self-esteem,
hormone changes, peer pressure, increased odds of substance abuse, and even cyberbullying
can contribute to these mental disorders.
The good news is music therapy might help, according
to a 2016 study. The Bournemouth University researchers learned that kids from
8 to 16 years old who received music therapy experienced better self-esteem and
decreased depression than those who had usual care.
It could be because music:
- Allowed them to socialize with other children
- Improved their interactive skills
- Helped them communicate their thoughts and feelings better
Music might even be beneficial for obese or
overweight children, who are more prone to bullying and depressive symptoms.
Although it is a sedentary activity, it enhances their mood and quality of life,
said the 2019 research. This overall positive feeling is a critical complement
to fitness programs.
Music doesn't cure all maladies, but it
sure does help you raise positive and happy children. Don't forget the rewards
of learning brings to them. Not only do they gain a new skill, but they can
also cultivate patience, persistence, and discipline.