Top 5 Benefits of Learning an Instrument with Your Child
As the saying goes, two heads are better than one. When we decide to take up a new hobby or commit to learning something new, it’s not only more helpful to have a teammate by our side – it makes the experience more fun! Learning an instrument together is one solid way to become teammates with your child. Not only will you be a great mentor while they learn an exciting new instrument, but you’ll be able to explore what music has to offer together. This will be one of the greatest decisions you make as a parent, for your child and for yourself.
A New Passion
We all need hobbies and having a few passions in common with our friends and family brings the best out of the experiences we share with each other. Sharing the same musical passion with your child is not only rewarding but could become something shared for life, opening many doors for you both. Your child will discover more about themselves through this adventure and all with you right beside them.
Discipline
At any age, Learning a new instrument teaches us what kind of student we are, our best learning methods, how we handle challenges and where we naturally succeed. Much is revealed throughout this process that helps us grow in other departments as well. When learning new chords on the piano or guitar, your child will find their hard work paying off especially with self-discipline, and soon they’ll be doing more with each lesson.
Improved Motor Skills
Instruments like piano or guitar require exercises that call for repetition and alternating gestures that not only strengthen our mental memory but our muscle memory as well. The body and mind have an important relationship with each other, and music has an interesting effect on both. Music helps sharpen our minds and our motor skills. Whether it be through singing, dancing, or active listening, cultivating activities around music will set your child up for success in a life that demands constant thought and movement.
Creative Outlet
Being able to express oneself through the means of music and art is truly a gift many musicians and artists wouldn’t trade for anything else. Music is a great platform for openly communicating how we feel and how we want to connect with others. The gift of artistic expression is uniquely liberating and undeniably impacts countless lives. With your encouragement, your child may have an easier time expressing themselves both in and out of music.
Stronger Bond
Through learning a new instrument with your child, you’ll be able to spark up conversations about the new things you have in common. Similarly, through challenging lessons, you’ll both be grateful you’re learning as a unit. When you sense any discouragement, discuss areas of opportunity by highlighting what you find difficult – it’ll make it easier for your child to open up and share. Be sure to ask what parts they find exciting and what they’re most proud of. Creating an environment in which they feel comfortable addressing their frustrations and accomplishments will make it easier for them to stay encouraged and diffuse any doubt. This is a great opportunity to lead by example and be the awesome parent you are!
