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In December 2015, the Every Child Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law by President Obama - effectively replacing the previous No Child Left Behind legislation. The new law ensures a more "well-rounded" education for every child, and puts music and arts programs on the same footing as math, reading and science.
Why the shift in policy? More and more research is coming out - music and the arts are an essential part of a healthy childhood and education.
Whether your child enrolls in school band or orchestra, private music lessons, playing an instrument just for fun, or even just listening to his/her favorite music, music is an essential part of a healthy childhood. Here's why.
1. Music makes you smarter
Nothing activates as many areas of the brain as music. Studies show that early music training strengthens the executive functions of the brain - the parts responsible for problem solving, making good choices, processing complex information, and regulating behaviors. Young musicians perform better in core school subjects like math and science.
You may already know that young kids have a much easier time picking up foreign languages than adults. But children with a musical background are shown to learn other languages even more easily - even as adults. Take Finland - the average person speaks 3 to 5 languages. This is one country with a big emphasis on early music training, where babies and toddlers learn core music skills through songs and games.
Albert Einstein, the greatest mind of the 20th century, couldn't live without music.
"Life without music is inconceivable to me. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music. I get most joy in life out of music."
Einstein's intelligence has been attributed to a strong connection between both hemispheres of his brain. Music has been proven to strengthen this connection. It's no wonder Einstein spoke so highly of music - it made him into the person he was!
2. Music boosts your self-esteem
Growing up is tough for many kids. It's hard to balance the desire to fit in and be liked while feeling the pressure to succeed. An estimated 11% of children under 18 have symptoms of depression.
When children play music with peers, they learn to accept praise - and criticism - from others. The feedback they receive builds their self-respect. The pride they feel from creating something or mastering a skill like music makes kids feel better about themselves. By playing music, your child has a "voice" and a personality, which are directly heard and understood by others.
There's a reason why music therapy is becoming more common - all kids benefit from high self-esteem, and music is the perfect contributor!
3. Music develops important physical skills
Music is fun. We can't help but move to music when we hear it, and playing any musical instrument requires a degree of coordination. Music is a great way to develop motor skill development in young children.
Music programs for babies and toddlers involve banging, tapping, dancing, and other movements. Instruments like the piano and drums develop limb independence, and playing a string instrument can strengthen wrists and joints. Playing any musical instrument involves a good degree of physical movement and coordination.
4. Music is a healthy emotional outlet for kids
Let's face it - in the American public school system, psychological and emotional health is not priority number one. It's too bad - kids who grow up in touch with their feelings and have an appropriate outlet for them are far more likely to be happy, healthy, successful adults.
Music (and other creative arts) show kids how to express themselves. By expressing themselves by playing a musical instrument, kids develop a sense of "self."
The effects of music on mood are well-known. What better way for kids to learn to manage their feelings than by listening to music that lifts their mood? Music help kids "hear" what feelings sound like and get in touch with what they feel - happiness, sadness, anger - emotions they may not be able to express. The lyrics in music can help children understand complex emotions and ideas related to specific events or situations.
5. Music teaches discipline and patience
Proficiency at a musical instrument doesn't come in a day. But the feeling of pride and accomplishment after mastering an instrument or piece of music is totally worth it. Music is a great teacher of discipline, patience and dedication.
Music teaches time management. Setting aside a specific time each day to practice music allows children to advance more quickly and see the rewards of their hard work.
Kids learn responsibility when put in charge of a musical instrument and keeping it well-maintained and safe. It's an excellent life skill!
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These benefits aren't just for kids - they're for people of every age. We encourage you to add some music to your life and set a great example for your kids.
How about picking up an instrument yourself? It's never too late to learn - and we believe there are few better ways of spending quality time with your kids than by playing music together.
Not sure where to start? Reach out to us. Stop into one of our six store locations and talk to one of our private lessons instructors, or send us a message. Ted Brown Music is dedicated to helping you and your family experience music.