"Research shows that learning the Do-Re-Mis
can help children excel in ways beyond the
basic ABCs." - Laura Lewis Brown
Growing up in a musically rich environment is often advantageous for children’s language development.
Most recently, brain-imaging studies have shown that music activates many diverse parts of the brain, including an overlap in where the brain processes music and language.
Music lessons, taught individually or in small groups, may provide additional boosts in IQ because they are school-like but still enjoyable. Moreover, music lessons involve a multiplicity of experiences that could generate improvement in a wide range of abilities.
Kids who play the piano have improved fine motor skills and, unlike other instruments, the piano requires both hands to work independently of each other, one moving fast while the other may be moving at a slower rate. All of these things help to increase a child's overall dexterity and complex thought processes.
The many intrinsic benefits to music education include being disciplined, learning a skill, being part of the music world, managing performance, being part of something you can be proud of, and even struggling with a less than perfect teacher.
Study after study confirms that young children who take piano lessons not only improve their coordination, they learn how to concentrate better too, improving reading scores, enhancing their memory skills and increasing their confidence levels.
According to a study done by Dr. Rauscher, those children who received piano or keyboard training performed 34 percent higher than the other groups on tests measuring spatial-temporal ability, showing music uniquely enhances higher brain functions required for mathematics, science, and engineering.
Learning to play the piano is hard work and takes dedication. Not only does each song mastered increase a child's self-esteem, but showcasing their newly learned talents at piano recitals can boost their self esteem as much as winning a game in a sports competition.
Lessons also help kids to learn how to keep a positive outlook when facing difficult tasks. The understanding that mastering a new skill is a process that requires patience helps children to approach tasks with confidence, and not become discouraged or frustrated.
The benefit of music education for me is about being musical. It gives you a better understanding of yourself.
All research is not property of Welch School of Piano and is credited to the following sources:
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