Should I Encourage my Child to Learn an instrument?

Should I Encourage My Child to Learn an Instrument?

AD -This post is a guest post and may contain links for which I will have been compensated. These thoughts and opinions are in line with my own personal beliefs.

Extra-curricular activities are a fantastic way to get children to spend their time productively,
because they learn various key skills that they can transfer to other areas of their lives. However,
when encouraging your youngster to pursue a hobby, it must be something that they are truly
interested in (as opposed to something you would like them to do), otherwise it will be a waste of
everyone’s time and money. Music lessons are one option, and I have teamed up with a private
school in Buckinghamshire to explore the benefits of learning an instrument.

Studies have found that music can reduce stress. This is, of course, true of any music, but when a
child is practising their instrument or having a lesson, the experience takes their mind off other
things, such as friendship issues or upcoming exams. With that said, a child who plays an instrument might not be as likely to struggle with anxiety or other similar mental health issues.

What’s more, learning an instrument is great for teaching a child the importance of patience and
perseverance. They won’t instantly be able to play a new piece of music perfectly; it will take plenty
of practise and commitment.

While this can be frustrating sometimes, it pays off in the end. They will feel a strong sense of achievement and a well-deserved self-esteem boost when they are eventually proficient enough to perform in front of a crowd. Again, these are skills that will serve them well in other areas of their life, both academically and on a personal level.

Juggling an already hectic schedule to fit in weekly music lessons and regular practise is a great way
to teach a child about time management and organisation. When the time comes for them to apply
to university, they will be looked upon favourably if they can demonstrate these types of skills and a
commitment to something other than schoolwork.

As some of my readers already know 3 of our children have had music lessons. Our eldest especially has gone from strength to strength over the past 8 years of playing the piano. From the early years where we had to encourage him to practice up to present day where he practices regularly with great confidence. It has been a great pleasure to see his commitment paying off. I do hope that his post has given you some pointers on whether to encourage your child to learn an instrument.