Kids and Music

Have you ever noticed that when your child is humming or whistling you just know everything is alright?  My own daughter, who is now nearly 17, still sings or whistles when she's in a good mood. It seems like such a little thing, but instinctively we all have that inner knowing that music makes things better in our lives.  Actually, music does so much more than just make us smile and I am working hard to keep it alive for the sake of all our kids.

I would like to share a little information with you about how music affects all of us, including your children.

There has been a lot of research done over the years showing that regular lessons on piano, guitar, or any other instrument can enhance a child's ability to learn, raise test scores dramatically, and increase memory.  Literacy, math scores, and IQs are higher in musically-trained kids.

Musical training is a kind of exercise for your brain.  It creates patterns and connections that are used by your brain to help you in all facets of learning.  There have been many studies on the subject and here are a few links to some additional reading just to get you started. 

http://www.musictogether.com/Importanceofmusic

http://www.paulborgese.com/report_benefitofmusic.html

It could be that your child is on her/his way to a musical career of phenomenal proportions!   I had music every year of my early education and went on to further that in college.  Music was my life and I couldn't get enough: choir, musical theatre productions, performances, rock bands.  I loved every minute and still do. Now I'm sharing my expertise and experience with the kids I teach. 

So, if your kids show an interest in any facet of music -- singing, guitar, piano, tuba, or violin -- say YES!  It will be beneficial to them whether they become a professional musician or an attorney.  Either way you'll be helping them in their growth and development as a human being. 

I didn't even begin to talk about the calming effect of music, but that's another blog!