4 Benefits of a Child Learning an Instrument and How to Choose a Music Tutor
Research shows that learning how to play an instrument can dramatically improve a child’s learning abilities across the board. Statistically speaking, children who regularly play instruments tend to do better in math, have advanced reasoning skills, and work better in a team environment–just to name a few. If you’re thinking about enrolling your child in music lessons, this article provides a look at the benefits of learning an instrument.
1. Keep Academics on Track
Many musicians naturally tend to excel in math. Since musical scores measure beat, rhythm, and scales, playing an instrument can help a young person develop critical thinking skills that are highly beneficial for excelling in math. Studying music also helps enhance the player’s IQ and cognitive abilities.
2. Fine Tune Motor Skills
Kids who play instruments often develop outstanding hand-eye coordination as well as other motor skills. Many instruments, such as drums or a piano, require the child to use their hands, arms, legs, and feet. In fact, a percussion instrument is often an effective tool for hyperactive kids to channel their energy in a positive way. Some musicians might also excel at physical activities like sports and dance, as well.
3. Score on Social Skills

A child who plays an instrument will not only understand the elements of a song, but they also develop a better understanding of how to work in a team environment. Playing as part of a group helps kids learn communication skills and encourages positive interactions among peers as well.

4. Discipline and Patience
The act of learning an instrument offers a student the opportunity to cultivate discipline and patience. In many cases, learning to master an instrument can take several years. In order to learn and play a composition, a child must apply a healthy degree of focus. Furthermore, being part of an ensemble can require that your student wait patiently to play their parts, or while another student is learning to play their own part.

Now that you’ve discovered the benefits of learning to play an instrument for your child, here are a few pointers when seeking a music tutor, and how to determine whether your child even requires one in the first place.
1. Finding the Right Teacher

Sometimes finding the right teacher is as simple as asking other parents, family, or family for recommendations. You can also ask around at your church, music stores, or at your child’s school. When you’ve pinpointed a prospective teacher, make sure to interview them before committing to anything. Also, try to attend a recital of one of their current students if at all possible to gauge the scope of the instructor’s abilities.
Truthfully, one of the best ways to find a music teacher these days is to search online. Make it easier on yourself by consulting a site that specifically helps you locate the right teacher for your kid. The LessonRating site lets you search and review thousands of different teachers.
2. Questions to Ask A Prospective Teacher
Find out about the educational and professional history of the teacher. Ask about their professional certifications. How long have they been instructing music pupils? Ask if the tutor has a preferred age group with whom they work best. It’s also beneficial to learn about the teacher’s studio policy and what types of music they teach. Also, get a clear cut understanding of how much time your student is expected to practice each day or week.
3. What Instrument is Best?
The most popular forms of music lessons include piano, guitar, violin, saxophone, drum, flute, or voice lessons. The type of instrument your child settles on might simply be a matter of preference, but other factors might come into play also. Cost, difficulty level, and your child’s long term goals should all be take into consideration when picking an instrument as well.
There is a deluge of benefits that come along with learning to play a musical instrument. Many of these qualities and skills are even cultivated through private practice and lessons. Children who learn music from a young age often excel academically and socially. Plus, in many cases, the process of creating music gives children a sound sense of self. So whether your child plays the French horn or shreds on a guitar, they stand to learn some very important life skills throughout the process. And that’s certain to be music to your ears.
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