The Benefits of Music Education for Children

September 19, 2023 byKevin Neese

3 min to read

An online student learning to play guitar

Music has a way of getting into the heart of childhood. As they journey through their developmental stages, children who are exposed to structured music education reap advantages that touch every aspect of their growth. Indeed, a recent study showed that music education for children can have a positive impact on their overall development and growth.

Explore some of the benefits of music education for children and its instrumental role in shaping young minds.

The Mental and Physical Benefits of Music Education

A recent study showed that early childhood and care educators believe that music is a creative outlet for children, regardless if the child is learning how to play an instrument or sing and dance.

Let's explore some of the benefits of music for children:

Cognitive Development: Children exposed to music often improve language development and memory and have better attention spans and mathematical capabilities.
Emotional Growth: Music provides a safe place for children to express and learn about their emotions.
Social Skills: Whether it's a choir, band, or an informal jam session, children learn teamwork, cooperation, leadership, and effective communication when they participate in group musical activities.

When a child learns how to play music, it is not only about producing melodies, it's an intricate process that challenges and molds the brain's faculties. As Julia Savacool aptly puts it, "Playing an instrument gives kids bigger, more active brains—especially the parts involved with hearing, memory, and motor skills.”

When children persevere through the initial challenges of learning an instrument, they are unknowingly honing their resilience and discipline. Every hurdle they overcome, every melody they perfect, instills a sense of achievement, boosting their confidence and self-worth.

Music Education by Grade Level

A customized approach to music education ensures that children are exposed to musical experiences that better resonate with their developmental stage:

Elementary School: At this foundational stage, Learning Coaches may want to introduce basic rhythm exercises with simple instruments like recorders or tambourines.
Middle School: Delve deeper into music theory, composition, and history. Encourage students to experiment with more complex instruments and empower them to compose their own simple melodies. This is also an ideal time to introduce the musical games suggested above.
High School: At this advanced stage, offer in-depth courses in music theory, appreciation, and technical mastery. Encourage ensemble participation, live performances, and even songwriting. Exposure to digital music creation tools can also be beneficial, merging technology with art.

Lincoln Center Pop-Up Classroom

These free Lincoln Center Pop-Up Classroom workshops help teachers and parents create their children’s music education curriculum. While most classes are online, some are offered in-house. A subscription isn’t necessary, and each teaching video will let you know what’s needed. The online workshops are YouTube videos led by Lincoln Center teacher artists. Children can learn how to sing a chorus, make music beats with their voices, dance, or watch concerts.

Little Kids Rock Jamzone

Sessions at Little Kids Rock Jamzone include songwriting to beginner ukulele lessons if they want to get started learning an instrument. If your child is already studying music, there is a section where they can practice improving their skills using step-by-step instruction slides. “Jam Along” lets kids play their guitar or drums along with popular songs by BTS or Beyonce.

Big Ear Games

With this Big Ear Games app, playing mobile games and learning music go hand in hand. Students can create their own songs, learn about rhythm and melody, as well as play a digital guitar. Whether online or in the classroom, teachers help students put the musical notes together for songs like “Jingle Bells” and “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”