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Benefits for Kids Who Play Instruments

While most people will agree that childhood music education offers a wealth of benefits, academically and socially, music education and general arts programs are not always available in public schools. Lacking this resource, many people are scrambling for external teaching programs, private classes or home-schooling kids in music. No matter the method, music education should be a part of every child's education.

  1. Lower Drug Abuse

    • A 1998 study by the Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse revealed that secondary school students, who participated in band, orchestra or other music education programs, reported the lowest occurrence of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drug use. This was attributed, in part, to an improved sense of pride, self confidence and achievement that is typically missing in kids who are prone to abuse drugs or other illicit substances. Peer support and less free time also may have played a role in these results.

    Success at School

    • Countless studies by medical and educational groups have shown that music educational can boost success at school and improve a child's grades. Benefits directly attributed to music education include an increased concentration level, improved cognitive skills, better communication and an improved understanding of math. A 1999 study by The Imagination Project at UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies concluded that "...students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12."

    Intelligence Development

    • In his book, "A User's Guide To The Brain," Dr. John J. Ratey says, "The musician is constantly adjusting decisions on tempo, tone, style, rhythm, phrasing and feeling--training the brain to become incredibly good at organizing and conducting numerous activities at once. Dedicated practice of this orchestration can have a great payoff for lifelong attentional skills, intelligence and an ability for self-knowledge and expression." Additionally, a 1997 article in "Neurological Research" magazine concluded that "music training is far superior to computer instruction in dramatically enhancing children's abstract reasoning skills, the skills necessary for learning math and science."

    Improved Relaxation

    • In addition to improved creativity, music education can also help increase the level of relaxation and patience in children, which can be helpful in later life. Certain types of music have even been shown to lower the heart rate and blood pressure of some students, which can help improve a child's overall health.

    Improved Socal Skills

    • Music education can serve as an introduction into social situations for younger children and help older kids find ways to connect with peers and improve social skills. As former President Bill Clinton once said, "Music is about communication, creativity and cooperation, and, by studying music in school, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives, and experience the world from a new perspective."

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