When my eldest child, Alex, was in second grade, we enrolled him in piano lessons. He wasn’t overly enthusiastic, but he agreed to give it a try. A couple of years later, we decided to sign up his younger brother, Ryan. For the past four years, our boys have been engaging with the piano (or, more accurately, experimenting with the keys). While they aren’t exactly music virtuosos, and they don’t seem to relish their lessons, my husband and I remain committed to their musical education.
So, what drives us to invest time and money in something they don’t particularly enjoy? The answer is straightforward: Music is essential. In fact, it holds the same significance as math, science, or language arts. In today’s educational environment, where music classes are often limited to just one or two sessions a week—if they exist at all—this simply isn’t sufficient.
Let me clarify: I am not the kind of parent who hovers over my children, scrutinizing their practice sessions or expecting them to become professional musicians. Far from it. I rarely oversee their practice, and I have no expectations regarding their musical prowess. For us, it’s not about talent or skill; it’s about the experience of making music.
As parents, we often require our kids to do things they might not want to do—brushing their teeth, visiting the dentist, getting vaccinations, or memorizing spelling words. We don’t impose these activities to make them experts in any area but because we understand that they contribute to developing a healthy, well-rounded individual.
We believe that music education is just as vital as mastering chemistry formulas or mathematical concepts. It nurtures both the mind and the heart. Research supports this notion, revealing that music can enhance skills that are often viewed as more critical, such as reading, spelling, and comprehension. A two-year study from the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California found that engaging with music accelerates brain development in young children, particularly in areas linked to language acquisition and auditory processing.
However, merely listening to music does not offer the same benefits as actively playing an instrument. In a recent TED talk, educator Lisa Mitchell discussed how engaging in music—both through listening and playing—affects brain function. While listening to music activates one hemisphere of the brain, playing an instrument utilizes fine motor skills, which involve both hemispheres. According to Mitchell, listening to music may excite the brain, but playing it provides a more comprehensive cognitive workout.
I’m convinced that the benefits of music education far outweigh the challenges of scheduling lessons and reminding them to practice. I do not care if they ever become proficient pianists or even master “Chopsticks.” What matters to me is instilling the belief that music is a crucial aspect of being a well-rounded individual, just like studying science or literature. I want them to step outside their comfort zones, explore new experiences, and learn to perceive the world through a different lens. Most importantly, I want to support their cognitive growth and emotional development—because music undeniably stirs the heart.
Through music, children learn that values extend beyond academic grades or innate talent. They come to understand that art holds intrinsic worth, regardless of skill level, and that perseverance can be more significant than mere proficiency.
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In summary, while my children may not be musical prodigies, their engagement with music education is a valuable part of their upbringing. It fosters their intellectual and emotional development while reinforcing the idea that learning goes beyond the classroom.
Keyphrase: Importance of Music Education for Kids
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