Music lessons require a good deal of focused attention, consistent practice and significant patience. If a student follows through with these requirements, it profits students for the rest of their lives.
Faster Processing
Researchers from The Journal of Neuroscience conducted a study with 44 adults to see how they processed sounds. The results? “Participants who had four to 14 years of musical training had faster responses to speech sounds than participants without training”, even though it had been decades since many of them had played! ¹ By investing a few years in music lessons, parents can gift their children with stronger neural processing skills. These skills will benefit them across almost every area of their lives.
Stronger Academics
One noteworthy area where these processing skills help music students is in their academic scores. Studies² show some astonishing results from students who participated in music training. These range from higher SAT scores in math, reading, and writing to increases in IQ scores. However, it isn’t enough for children to simply attend music lessons. Research shows that it’s the students actively participating in classes who receive the full intellectual benefit of music lessons.
Better Self-Discipline
Anyone who has achieved proficiency from piano lessons would agree that the discipline requires — well, just that: discipline. Students who prepare diligently for lessons, arrive on time, and make an effort to focus are the students who experience success in their training. But if children have learned to discipline themselves in one area, it’s that much easier to be self-disciplined in other essential aspects of daily life.
Supporting Your Student: Helping your child attain the full benefits of self-discipline, enhanced neural processing and stronger academic performance can be easier when you know where to begin. Try finding out what encourages your child to practice. What are they driven by? Use this to help them succeed.
Are you interested in enrolling your child in music lessons at one of our Olathe, KS locations? Click here to find out more about current class offerings and enrollment.
¹https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/12/science/long-term-benefits-of-music-lessons.html
²https://nafme.org/advocacy/what-to-know/music-education-and-academic-achievement/