Amazing Benefits of Music Lessons
It’s official! Studies show that learning a musical instrument makes you smarter and happier. Keep reading for more details on some of the amazing benefits of music lessons (that are backed up by research!)
Physical Benefits of Music Lessons
Coordination
Learning an instrument improves fine motor skills and gross motor skills including:
- Bilateral integration (coordination of both sides of the body)
- Finger isolation and independence
- Hand-eye coordination
Developing these skills not only leads to progress with music but in other areas of life as well, from school to hobbies.
Source: Sage Journals
Aural Awareness
Building aural skills is an essential part of music lessons. Being able to identify intervals, scales, chords, and melodies by ear means that students can deepen their understanding of music, while also improving active listening skills and verbal memory.
Source: Nature
Mental Benefits of Music Lessons
Focus & Memory
Spending regular time concentrating on playing music during lessons and practice helps students to improve their focus and attention spans. Learning a musical instrument also has a positive impact on working memory.
Source: Frontiers in Neuroscience
Creativity
Music is inherently creative, and there are many ways that learning an instrument can enhance creativity, including interpretation, arranging, improvising, and composing.
Source: National Library of Medicine
Developing and nurturing creativity is a major focus in lessons at Pianosaurus Rex.
In addition to exploring a wide range of music styles, students also have time during Rotating Lessons to work on creative projects like composing, making music videos, creating musical resources, and researching special interest topics.
Emotional Benefits of Music Lessons
Confidence
When music students make plans to achieve their musical goals, their confidence grows as they overcome challenges and make progress. Students also gain confidence and self efficacy by following through on commitments they’ve made, like practicing regularly or making progress with a piece despite finding it difficult.
Source: Sage Journals
Self Expression
One of the benefits that all musicians can experience is that of self expression. Learning pieces in a range of styles, creating original pieces, and presenting and performing music help students to make sense of their own experiences and ideas and to find a way to express them.
Learning an instrument provides a way to process and express emotions, experience a state of flow, and take a break from the pressures of life.
Source: Sage Journals
Lessons at Pianosaurus Rex are guided by the interests, experience, and goals of each student.
Once they’ve mastered the basics, students choose music that they’re most excited to learn: from well-known classical pieces to video game themes (and everything in between!)
Social Benefits of Music Lessons
Empathy & Connection
As students learn a musical instrument they’re also developing empathy and the ability to relate to others. Collaboration with other musicians, improved listening and communication skills, and an appreciation of diversity all contribute to better social skills.
Source: Sage Journals
Community
Attending music lessons creates a sense of community for students, particularly those who attend studio events and performances, group workshops, and group lessons. As they learn alongside each other, students form connections, offer and receive encouragement, build friendships, and develop a sense of belonging.
Source: National Library of Medicine
There’s a big emphasis on building community at Pianosaurus Rex.
Rotating Lessons are a great way for students to make connections as they get to know each other during shared weekly lessons.
There’s also a week of group workshops once every term, which bring together students from different lessons to build on their musical knowledge in a fun and social setting.
Excited to start learning music? Sign up today for piano lessons at Pianosaurus Rex in Christchurch, New Zealand. Find out more information here, or go ahead and enrol here.
