Piano is often the first instrument a child is introduced to and to some kids, it might not seem the coolest (and for some, it rocks!). One thing is for certain, the piano is a crucial instrument that enables music composition and can bring so many more benefits to your child than just reciting simple melodies.

While your child might not be the next Mozart, here are a few more reasons why learning the piano can be a great childhood experience.

1. Piano Playing Boosts IQ

Piano lessons are in fact more than that, they are lessons children learn at the piano lesson that are often translated into their normal school classroom. Studies have shown that children’s IQs rose when learning a musical instrument compared with those who didn’t.

Learning music gives the brain one heck of a work-out! Your child will be simultaneously memorizing, using and releasing emotion, plus keeping track of timing and rhythm. It is thought that all of these factors together increase IQ.

Learning the ability to interpret musical notes into sound is said to transfer to other abilities, since they use the same neurological paths. For example it uses parts of the brain that are required for math, especially for ratios and fractions.

Even simply listening to music can trigger different parts of the brain that benefit other activities. Most researchers agree that music lessons should be taught to all children as part of their education. Music also has its strongest effect on children since their brains are so receptive at a young age.

2. Taps into Creativity and Courage

Learning the piano means that a child can experience the joy and fun of tapping into their natural creative talents. And as they get further along into their musical journey, they may get the opportunity to compose their own music.

Learning piano also takes courage. It is full of challenges, such as difficult melodies, yet these must be accepted and tackled head on. Later on they may be asked to perform in front of audiences too. It helps to generate a positive view point no matter what task is ahead and encourages children to enjoy the challenge.

3. Learn the Language of Music

Music is almost like a language in itself, which children absorb hungrily. With the piano, children learn how to follow a sequence of directions, review written materials, think, and come up with solutions. Each and every musical note needs to be identified and understood in order for them to play it. This helps children focus on reading and gets both sides of the brain active.

4. Learn Goal Orientated Life Lessons

Piano in particular means children have to think about the end goal or result all the time. Each new piece of music must be studied, learnt, and practiced over and over. It ensures they develop good study habits and come to understand that practice and dedication make perfect!

5. Learn Perseverance

Perseverance is essential for learning the piano. Many children might want to give up, especially if they don’t see progress very quickly. But playing the piano is a skill gained over time and they will see the fruits of their labour if you encourage them to persevere. They will learn to try and try again, and keep coming back to it. This experience also helps children to manage expectations and realize that if they don’t succeed right away, they can keep trying and will eventually achieve whatever they set their mind to.

Learning Piano Can Expand Children’s Perspective

Even if your child only has a short-lived stint learning the piano it can really help to shape their outlook and learning capabilities. Exposure to classical music might never come their way otherwise, and learning to have appreciation for and basic knowledge of composers like Mozart or Beethoven can benefit them for the rest of their lives.

As your child plods away at the piano, they are doing so much more than reciting a few melodies, they are multi-tasking, and setting themselves on a good path for their future. At Capstone Music in Burlington, we provide lessons from some of the best piano teachers in Burlington.  Contact us to learn about our piano lessons for your child!