By: Maria Williams
Mastering a musical instrument offers more benefits than most people realize. Studies have shown that playing an instrument can enhance mathematical and language skills, and boost IQ. Children and adult students can also build resilience, perseverance, and self-esteem by continuing their music journey. These benefits empower a student to confront life’s challenges with greater confidence, shattering misconceptions that music lacks applications for practical life. Kenneth Thompson, a globally recognized pianist and music educator who founded Musical Arts Center of San Antonio, Inc. (MACSA) supports these findings, often citing them as an additional reason why music is essential for personal development.
Parents can accelerate a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development by getting them involved with music early. Whether they begin playing instruments or simply listening to songs, these activities can stimulate brain activity and significantly accelerate when a child meets various developmental milestones.
Children under the age of 10 can see some of the biggest benefits from learning to play a musical instrument. Parents will witness that consistent music instruction will improve their child’s memory, problem solving, and language skills. Socially, kids become more cooperative with peers, demonstrate higher self-confidence, and can even forge stronger bonds with parents who attend their music-related events.
Learning to play a musical instrument can also help children develop better emotional regulation critical for stress management. As they strengthen their skills, they can also benefit from a sense of accomplishment with their achievements. All of these benefits extend to adult learners, outlining the overwhelming positives of mastering a musical instrument.
Kenneth Thompson, a highly acclaimed pianist and founder of Musical Arts Center of San Antonio, Inc. (MACSA) shares his insights on music’s impact on education.
Kenneth Thompson
“I’ve seen the power of music on academic, cognitive, and social well-being firsthand through students and even my son who began playing music at a young age,” Kenneth says. “Studies have confirmed what I’ve noticed: Music makes children and adults smarter intellectually and more developed emotionally. Playing an instrument offers children a chance to learn and practice their math, reading, and coordination skills. It also provides children and adults with a wonderful outlet for releasing negative emotions and experimenting creatively.”
Kenneth believes that mastering a musical instrument can bring unexpected strengths in life. Former students that entered high-stress careers and competitive academic institutions benefited immensely from having previous experience with working under pressure. A specific example that illustrates this is how one former student managed to ace a mock trial exam compared to other peers that struggled to manage their physical symptoms of stress.
Teenage and adult piano students are known to demonstrate greater responsibility and diligence in their academic careers due to the impacts of music study. Kenneth compares this phenomenon to the outcomes of private tutoring in any subject. When an individual receives one-on-one support to grow and challenge themselves, they naturally become more determined to succeed in other areas of life. Setbacks are mere learning lessons for them, which help them follow their desires without fear of encountering uncomfortable situations. Kenneth believes these strengths can be advantageous for the younger generation to learn resilience and overcome mental health challenges. While music isn’t a healer for everything, it can certainly offer students a chance to find positivity in dark moments.
“Whether you want to be a Grammy-nominated musician or be able to play a few songs on the piano, music study will push you to improve your weaknesses,” Kenneth says. “It’s challenging to keep evolving and learning, but if you stick with it, music can help you flourish in more ways than you ever imagined.”
Learning to play a musical instrument demands patience, determination, and coordination. However, it can offer unlimited benefits when mastered. Music enthusiasts can use their skills to bring people together, express their personal truth, and even guide others to learn the art. Overall, music is a powerful tool for fueling academic and professional success.
Published By: Aize Perez
