These days, most schools recommend that parents enroll their children in the school band or orchestra. Research has shown that there is an excellent reason for schools to make this suggestion – and more parents should be listening.
Music has a way of directly affecting the way a brain develops. Even listening to music has an impact (hence why so many parents play music for infants). Playing music takes that even further.
Improved Social Skills
Playing in a band or orchestra is a social experience – anyone who grew up as a member will eagerly tell parents that. Children will have a more accessible avenue for making friends – their fellow musicians.
Freie University Berlin conducted a study that affirmed this connection. They found that music in a social setting (band, orchestra, etc.) helped to build empathy, trust, and cooperation—all positive traits to encourage a child to have.
Learning Self-Discipline
Playing an instrument teaches a child about discipline. That holds doubly so when they are training to be a part of a band or orchestra. Studying an instrument actively teaches a person how to commit to practice and improvement.
Additionally, The National Association for Music Education cites that children who pick up an instrument are less likely to be truant, more likely to graduate on schedule, and have an easier time adapting to college requirements.
Increasing Coordination
One of the physical positives of playing an instrument is an increased level of coordination. Studies have shown that children who dedicate themselves to learning their instrument will, in turn, have better coordination.
Taking that a step farther – children who play their instrument with a band learn how to coordinate as a group. That is a vital but often overlooked skill for children (and adults of all ages).
Success In Other Subjects
Children who have music in their lives succeed in other academic areas. Music stimulates visual, auditory, and physical modes of learning. In turn, that training helps children with math, science, language arts, writing, and other subjects.
To put it simply: playing an instrument gives children a leg up academically. This explains why so many schools encourage the practice.
Performance and Creativity
Children who join a band or orchestra get the unique opportunity to be involved in performances at a young age. Even practicing for a concert is beneficial, teaching discipline, enhancing skills, and more.
One should not forget the impact these concerts have on the community as a whole. Shows can help to bring a community together, building confidence and new avenues for friendship.
Music also helped to increase creativity – forming a new outlet for children to express themselves. It teaches children how to think outside the box and overall encourages a different way of thinking.