Boosting Brain Development with Music
If he really puts his mind to it, your child can get better at playing any musical instrument. But did you know that playing musical instruments can help improve his brain development?
Separate studies done in Brown University, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of California reveal that children who have received musical training actually score higher on IQ and cognitive tests. They are also likely to excel in certain subjects including language and mathematics.
Turns out, your little musician stands to gain a lot more than just learning how to entertain houseguests.
The Violin for Improved Language Skills
Playing violin can help maximize and bring about language proficiency. In fact, one of the most popular methods of learning the violin involves likening its chords to human speech patterns.
The "mother tongue" method was introduced by Dr. Sinichi Suzuki, a pioneer in music education and a noted violinist himself. It teaches children to play the violin in the exact same way that they learn to speak their native language—by listening and identifying changes in pitch and tempo.
The Piano for Improved Math Skills
The piano is a complex instrument that requires sustained attention and longer control.Your aspiring pianist has to get acquainted with 88 keys, and then, keep track of time and rhythm.
But it's all worth it. This intense cognitive exercise is good training ground for mathematics, because reading sheet music actually involves numbers and calculations.
The Drums for Developed Coordination
The same important motor skills that your child develops when playing sports can also be honed with this musical instrument.
Playing the drums is a good way to practice the use of both arms and achieve a degree of ambidexterity. This skill will come in handy in sports like basketball and tennis.
It's never too early to cultivate your child's interest in music, whether it’s through listening and appreciating it or through creating his own with some instruments. It will help him stand out, not just in the talent department, but also in terms of cognitive development and intellectual potential, thanks to improved information retention and mental organization. So go on and launch his budding musical career that's in tune with unlimited learning.
References:
• Jovanka Ciares and Paul Borgese. The Benefits of Music on Child Development. Retrieved Aug. 11, 2010 from Paul Borgese's website: http://www.paulborgese.com/report_benefitofmusic.html
• Why playing a musical instrument 'can help children learn with language skills'. Retrieved Aug. 11, 2010 from the Daily Mail website: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1252652/Learning-play-musical-in...
• Benefits of Music Education. Retrieved Aug. 11, 2010 from the VH1 Save the Music website: http://www.vh1savethemusic.com/node/2192
• The Mozart Effect. Retrieved Sept. 23, 2010 from The Mozart Effect website: http://www.mozarteffect.com/
• The Suzuki Method. Retrieved Sept. 23, 2010 from The Suzuki Association of the Americas website: http://suzukiassociation.org/
• Music can boost language skills, improve learning. Retrieved Sept. 23, 2010 from the Reuters website: http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50286920100721
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