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“Mom, I Want to Play a Musical Instrument”: Top Reasons it Might be Worth the Investment

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 “Mom, I Want to Play a Musical Instrument”: Top Reasons it Might be Worth the Investment

 I remember learning how to play the flute at the ripe old age of nine. I would sit in my room for hours huffing and puffing away at the instrument, hoping to make a sound. However, what came out in the beginning was a lot of squeaking and squawking…Over time, I got better at it, and I am to this day, grateful that my parents allowed me the opportunity. When your child is passionate about something such as a musical instrument (no matter how noisy it might be), it is often a wise decision to invest in their passions.

Sure, you’ll be met with loud noises, late night practices, and scattered performances, but in the end, it is certainly well worth it. Even if your child doesn’t end up becoming the next Mozart or Beethoven, the gift of music stems far beyond how beautiful it sounds. There are studies that suggest that playing and listening to music can have a huge impact on our brains and development. Here’s a few of those benefits for you to consider:

  1. Improved language abilities – to comprehend language, read, and begin to speak, it is necessary to understand how to identify syllables as well as the beginning and end of a word. This process is often referred to as a phonological ability. While it is possible to learn all of these things without the assistance of music, children who have had music training seem to possess this ability a lot easier than those who have never learned an instrument. Music assists them in learning words, reading, and developing a rich vocabulary a lot sooner than their peers.
  2. Improved memory – when you first learned the alphabet, or how to count by twos in math class, chances are you learned it best through song and rhymes. Recent studies support that children who have had musical training of some sort have a better ability to remember things.
  3. Improves the ability to focus – there are very few children that can pick up a musical instrument and have it down packed in an instant. It takes weeks and months of dedication, concentration, and focus. The more they focus on the instrument, the better musicians they become.
  4. Increased emotional intelligence - through creating collaborative music, children develop a sense of empathy or compassion. The better skilled they become at playing music, the easier it is for them to notice even the smallest hint of emotion. For example happy songs require a more upbeat tone, whereas a sad song would require slow deep tones.
  5. Togetherness or Teamwork – In order for a song to come together, it requires the collaboration and participation of several musical instruments (i.e. their peers). As such, children learn how to share the spotlight and work together with others to create a masterpiece.

Who would have thought that from learning a musical instrument, that a child would gain so many skills that are necessary throughout the duration of their educational experience – and life?

Tips for Getting Started

Now that you’re aware of the benefits of music lessons for your children, you’re both on the same page. So here are a few parental tips on how to get started:

  • Locate a Good Teacher – Unless musical lessons are offered in your child’s school, you’re going to need to find the right music teacher for your child. Not only do you want to look for a professional that has years of knowledge playing and teaching the instrument your child is interested in, but you’ll also want to select someone who will mesh well with your child to keep them excited and motivated about acquiring a new skill. When looking for the right music teacher, you can often ask other parents in your community. If not, there’s also the option of checking out sites online. At LessonRating.com, for example, you can find reviews on teachers in your specific area.
  • Ensure Your Child is Ready – We all want our children to become the best at what they do. Often we find ourselves living vicariously through our children, however, when it comes to playing a musical instrument, you’ll want to make sure your child is ready and that you’re not simply forcing your dreams onto them. Learning an instrument will require a great deal of concentration and practice. If your child doesn’t like to sit still, chances are playing an instrument is not for them. Ideally, the best age to try any form of musical instrument would be about four years of age, for more advanced instruments that require a great deal of motor skills, or hand strength such as the guitar, you may want to wait until they’re about seven years old.
  •  Rent Before Making a Purchase – You’re probably already aware of how often children change their minds. If you give them a choice between peanut butter or jelly, chances are they’re going to go back and forth a few times. With that being said, when it comes to playing a musical instrument, it might be worth it to rent it for the first few months to make sure that they’re really dedicated. Once you know that they’re really invested, then you can look for the opportunity to make a purchase.

Well, I hope I was able to shed some light on the benefits of music lessons in your child’s life. While you may have thought of it as another extracircular activity to add to your “mommy do list”, there are significant benefits that make learning a musical instrument worthwhile. Music lessons can help them to develop lifelong skills that will ultimately help them to be better people all around.

By on April 18th, 2015

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35 thoughts on ““Mom, I Want to Play a Musical Instrument”: Top Reasons it Might be Worth the Investment”

  1. I THINK MUSIC IS A BIG PART OF LIFE A HUGE EXPRESION OF WHO WE ARE AS PEOPLE MY DAUGHTER LEARNS BY EAR AND IS GREAT AT IT

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  2. This is great. As parents we have to let our children define their individuality in this world. I supported my kids in whatever they wanted to accomplish as long as it was.legal lol. Thanks for a great read ☺

    Reply
  3. I love music and I would always encourage kids to learn a musical instrument if they wanted to; renting an instrument is a great idea since they might not know right away what instrument they'd enjoy learning first, so they'd have a chance to try out different ones!

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  4. Music is a great way for special needs children to stay focused. I have a friend who teaches special needs kids, and she reaches them via music. She also teaches music. You never know, you may just have the next super star! Do not stifle kids creativity.

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  5. I always loved music and since I was a grade ahead in elementary school my parents bought me a piano as a surprise . I also played clarinet but I took piano for a out 12 years and it helped me with focus and discipline.

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  6. By the time that I wanted to learn an instrument, my mom was a single mom of 4 kids, barely making it without child support too. I had a counselor at school, who really believed in the music & arts program. She helped me out & I was in. I wanted to play a stringed instrument. Only a few "chairs" were open for certain instruments. So I finally decided on the cello. I was really diligent in practicing, learning the notes, vibrato, etc. As a matter of fact, memorizing all the sheet music, helped my memory & helped my mind stay alert.
    UNFORTUNATELY, I was only in it for one year! I had to take my cello back & forth on a school bus. It was big & clumsy. Kids are cruel!! They made fun of me constantly. That bothered me a little, but when they took my cello and broke it - I was devastated!! Sure my mom took out the insurance, but it only covered one full replacement! I also fell behind because no cello - no music!! BULLYING IS HORRIBLE & it crushed a dream of mine!!

    Reply
  7. I agree with all,the parts of your article. I have always believed that teaching music and other arts are very importnt to the full development of a child.

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  8. Good need to know info! My sister was in the school band and we went through all of this. Definitely better to rent than buy! it's great that your daughter wants to play an instrument as well. I definitely believe that playing and listening to music can have a huge impact on our brains and development. It gives us a way to express or deal with our feelings as well.

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  9. Thanks for a great post that every mom faces sooner or later.My mom did, but we couldn't afford instruments then and I went to theater instead. I just went through this with my S. He is 10 and came home wanting to play some sort of horn. (at least it wasn't a drum) We sat down as a family and discussed it. A instrument is a major investment in our family. We came to a decision that made everyone happy. A used horn for now, a better one if and when the time comes. I can't put out money and him not love it later. Oh yeah, I understand he is 10 and may not want to practice and he may not like band later but it was his decision, and his promise to practice.He takes it as a class in school, so reading music, and really learning his horn is working for him. I was thrilled, and still am. He loves his horn, and my checkbook is just a little bit lighter, not major. It worked for us Awesome post, thanks for sharing it. It's nice to see the other comments above.
    ~Crystal

    Reply
  10. I'm currently learning how to play the piano. One of the main reasons is so that I can get my niece interested so that she will learn as well. I know how much music helps children with all the abilities you mentioned.

    Reply
  11. I come from a musical family, so does hubby. I believe every child should be given the opportunity to explore music. My Grandson loves the guitar, he started playing when he was 4. Not great at it, but it gives him hours of enjoyment. I do agree to rent, if possible before you buy. It really does take determination, and being able to stick to it! Scales were my hardest.

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  12. I think every child should be given the opportunity to play an instrument. Taking music out of the schools is a stupid idea. Its like therapy.

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  13. My parents met in band in school so they pushed my sister and I to be musical as well. At different times I played piano, clarinet and violin. I didn't enjoy any of it as much as I thought I would. I gave my parents a hard time about not wanting to practice. Fast forward to the present and I have 3 kids of my own. My oldest played the clarinet for a short time in elementary school. He hated to practice as well and eventually quit. My middle child played the cello for an even shorter time. She hated to practice and eventually quit. My youngest son has not made any musical requests yet, but he is still a bit young. I will be sure to rent!

    Reply
  14. When our daughter was a child, she wanted to learn how to play the piano. I thought it was a great idea and that it would give her an appreciation of music that would last a lifetime. I didn't realize at the time of all of the other benefits you mentioned. We were very lucky to have a recommendation for an excellent teacher (it was her second piano teacher). Now, her daughter is taking cello lessons. Our granddaughter started on the 1/2 sized cello and as she has grown and improved, she now plays with the 3/4 size. She takes private lessons and also plays in the orchestra. I can really see the positive benefits of her playing music. Her focus in other subjects has improved as has her memory. Also, she is no longer a shy girl which I believe is because of the team collaboration in the orchestra.

    Reply
  15. When I was in elementary school I begged and pleaded with my parents to let me play the violin. They gave in and I hated the violin!! It is the hardest instrument to learn and I ended up quitting after just a few days. So far my girls have not shown an interest in playing any instruments but if they asked I would say sure any instrument but the violin.

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  16. Thanks so very much for the Fantastic Review/Information on “Mom, I Want to Play a Musical Instrument”: Top Reasons it Might be Worth the Investment! I'm about to bust my gut laughing so hard! My oldest daughter cost us so much money growing up that it's absolutely pathetic! She wanted to model. We took her to an open call and she was picked by a certain modeling agency which was pretty far to drive. We had to purchase certain clothes for her, purchase her "head shots" and driving to and from the agency was a nightmare and with the cost of gas it was expensive! I know we spent more on other things that I cant remember now. She had to go into the agency and they wanted to see how she was in front of a camera with certain lines they gave her. They were promising her a model shoot for the cover of a magazine! We also had to purchase her "business cards" as well! She decided after all of this that she didn't want to do this anymore! She hated the clothes and she was bored with it! She thought because everyone loved her beautiful red hair, that she was going to automatically be a "star"! We tried to explain to her that it takes time, work, and passion! Well, all that money went down the tubes! She also wanted to play the drums! Her father had a drum that he used to play when he was young and went and got it and brought it home. We had to take it to the music store to get "tuned". However they tune a drum anyway! She took it to school and they really didn't want her using that drum because it was old and everything, but they allowed her to use it. She played for quite a while, so my husband took it upon himself to purchase a net set for her for her Birthday! She was so excited. It wasn't even 6 months after purchasing the new drum set that she gave it up because it bored her!!!! We always tried to help our kids out in things they really want to do, however, in the end it was like throwing money out the door! I can see if a child is passionate about playing a musical instrument and after you rent or use an old one and they insist they are going to keep going, you want them to keep on going! Oh, Yeah, she also wanted to take Tennis lessons as well, no one had a good Tennis Racket so we purchased one. We took her to the place where the others were meeting and she was listing to everything they were going to do and learn, plus they had to wear shorts. Well, she got back into the car, and that was the end of Tennis! We've been through an awful lot of things with our kids! You love that they get so passionate about something, but it would be so nice if they would stick to it! I really enjoyed reading all about how much more compassionate and smarter a child is who plays an instrument and all your wonderful information on it! I just kept thinking the whole time about everything Amanda wanted to do and all the money we flushed down the toilet! Thanks so much for the Fantastic Review/Information on “Mom, I Want to Play a Musical Instrument”: Top Reasons it Might be Worth the Investment which you shared with all of us! I honestly do appreciate it! Thanks so much for the terrific information! Michele 🙂

    Reply
  17. Although I had no talent what so ever playing the violin, I fondly remember learning to play and playing in the chorus. I had always wished that I had the talent. I think it is way worth it!!

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  18. Both of our children have expressed an interest in music and instruments. Fortunately, we have been given a drum set, a keyboard, and three guitars, so we didn't have to purchase them. Now, we are checking into lessons...hopefully we can work something out!

    Reply
  19. Thank you for sharing all the wonderful ways music has an impact on children's brains! I love that it helps to develop their language earlier. My youngest son is special needs and he received music therapy when he was younger and he benefited greatly from it and enjoyed it!

    Reply
  20. These are great things to consider, lovely post. Our son was in chorus, played the violin a few years, then played the chello. He enjoyed his years in music during elementary and junior high 🙂

    Reply
  21. I think that having your child play a musical instrument is definitely a good investment. And aside from the obvious benefit of learning to play the instrument your child will also learn responsibility and will be able to experience the results of hard work and dedication.

    Reply
  22. I wanted to do this so bad when I was in high school, even though I had piano lessons and could play rather well. But my mom gave in and I did one year of clarinet and decided I liked my piano better - lol. But my grandson is interested in the guitar (go figure, doesn't every teenage boy - lol) and my oldest daughter played the flute all the way through school and my granddaughter seems to be musically inclined as well.

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  23. I am a believer that my son's involvement with piano lessons when he was younger helped him with his math abilities in school. The patterns of the music helped him to see patterns in numbers.

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  24. I am a true believer in musical instruments .All of my life (68yrs) I have wanted to play the piano~ When I was a little girl my auntie had an old fashioned organ at her home and every time we went to Kentucky to visit You could find me sitting at the organ playing the best I could.. We didn't have the room for a piano at home so I was never able to fulfill my dream. But the passion to play is still in me. .Maybe some day~ Neither one of my daughters wanted to play any instrument...I can really see it improving a child's memory & Focus~ As Far as emotions ~ Beautiful music can stir emotions you never knew you had, Thankyou for sharing this Awesome post~ :0)~~~

    Reply
  25. Music of any kind is a wonderful introduction to children. If the desires are really there it continues a life time. My brothers and I were introduced to music at a very young age,I still play as well as one of my brothers. Out of my four children 3 only had the desire, and only 1 out of the 3 still plays her piano and violin, and clarinet. Hopefully as matures into a young woman she will still continue. Renting is the best way to start out as far as I'm concerned,instead of buying straight out.

    Reply
  26. My daughter is taking music lessons, but I have a horrible time getting her to practice. She wants to play and I keep telling me she won't ever be able to unless she practices but she still fights me at every turn.

    Reply
  27. My daughter started in public school in sixth grade and quickly declared she wanted to be in band. I guided her toward choir though which was a great choice for her and free. She's finishing 8th grade back in homeschool and is still singing.

    Reply
  28. I wish my son would be interested in a musical instrument. He is Autistic however and sensitive to some noises. We actually just got him to listen to music within the last couple years. That was a huge step. I played trumpet for 5 years and trombone and baritone for 2 years in school and I loved it.

    Reply

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