Is your child a future musician: a drummer, singer, pianist, guitarist or bassist?
According to a study by E. Glenn Schellenberg of the University of Toronto, the IQ’s of young students who had nine months of weekly training in piano or voice rose nearly three points more than their untrained peers.
Music has been referred to as an international language because it is easy for people of different backgrounds to connect with. Children are often drawn to music – from their favourite cartoon theme song to a song on the radio. According to experts, musical experiences can play a central role in brain development and active participation with music can stimulate the formation of cognitive development (Rauscher, 2004).
Music fosters creativity – working as an outlet for children to express themselves through writing, singing or playing an instrument. Aside from the obvious musical skills, music helps to boost children`s memory, cognitive skills and social skills.
Memory Skills
“Further research has shown that participation in music at an early age can help improve a child’s learning ability and memory by stimulating different patterns of brain development,” says Maestro Eduardo Marturet, a conductor, composer and musical director for the Miami Symphony Orchestra.
Cognitive Skills
A study has found that music lessons for kids make their minds sharper when they grow older. According to study researcher Brenda Hanna-Pladdy, a neurologist at the Emory University School of Medicine,”Musical activity throughout life may serve as a challenging cognitive exercise, making your brain fitter and more capable of accommodating the challenges of aging. Since studying an instrument requires years of practice and learning, it may create alternate connections in the brain that could compensate for cognitive declines as we get older.”
Social Skills
“Socially, children who become involved in a musical group or ensemble learn important life skills, such as how to relate to others, how to work as a team and appreciate the rewards that come from working together, and the development of leadership skills and discipline,” says Maestro Eduardo Marturet.
Music can play a very important role in your child’s development. If you child has interest in music, it is essential to support and encourage them in their pursuit.
Resources:
https://www.raisesmartkid.com/all-ages/1-articles/16-the-effect-of-music-on-childrens-intelligence
https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/music-lessons-improve-kids-brain-development-memory-study-1.600098
https://www.erin.utoronto.ca/~w3psygs/SchellenbergCDPS2005.pdf