Science Says: Give Your Child a Musical Instrument and Ditch the Tablet

Music therapy helps boost mood and speed up recovery. In addition, music lessons accelerate the recovery of people who have suffered a stroke, and can also improve the perception of information in children with dyslexia. There is also evidence that musical training in childhood protects people from the development of dementia in the future.

Bright Side found out 8 reasons to give a musical instrument to your child right now.

1. It enhances coordination.

While playing a musical instrument, the brain translates the notes that it sees into hand movements. This exchange occurs at the speed of the melody tempo. This coordination of reading music and the process of its reproduction quickens the reaction of the brain and improves cognitive functioning.

2. It improves hearing.

Learning music helps isolate individual sounds. That`s why musicians have such wonderful hearing. Scientists have even revealed that, for musicians, it is easy to identify specific sounds and voices in a noisy environment.

3. It relieves stress.

Playing music helps to distract from a stressful day. The fact is that repetitive motions put the focus on a positive activity, which helps to reduce stress. It can reduce blood pressure and soothe insomnia and depression.

4. It strengthens the respiratory system.

Playing a wind instrument and singing requires deep breathing from the diaphragm. It can strengthen the respiratory system and lungs. For example, playing the harmonica may even help alleviate the symptoms of pulmonary disease.

5. It strengthens immunity.

Learning to play a musical instrument often inspires people to create their own music. This can enhance the immune response and fight viruses more effectively. Another reason may be a reduced level of stress, because worrying stresses out the immune system.

6. It sharpens brain function.

Playing an instrument is a real brain workout. Musicians seldom have memory problems. The fact is that playing music helps to improve mental performance. Music can also slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

7. It refines reading skills.

Reading musical notes helps to create new neural connections in the brain, improving the ability to process information. Therefore, it will become easier for a kid to absorb information from other sources and read.

8. It increases the IQ score.

Studies have shown that brain activity increases after musical training. Even a few weeks of music lessons can increase the IQ. It also improves the memory which helps children in their studies. There is a link between academic achievement (for example, high school GPA, math skills, and SAT scores) and music lessons.

Do you play a musical instrument? Which one? Are you thinking about giving your kids music lessons?


SOURCE: BRIGHTSIDE