Why Learn a Musical Instrument?
There has been research into learning a musical instrument and the positive effects on the learner. See, for example, the link below:
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Everyone Can Gain from Making Music
The learner can also develop a myriad of musical skills such as, but are not limited to:
- Fluent, informed, creative and emotionally-filled playing
- Knowledge of musical signs, symbols, rhythms, scales and keys. Using this knowledge to create their own pieces of music
- Co-ordination between hands and hand-eye co-ordination
- Improved reading speed
- Knowledge of music history and how it fits into wider history. Using this knowledge to analyse and interpret different pieces of music
- Working on their own or in ensembles (e.g. blending, taking cues from other players or conductor)
- Appreciation for music in all different forms
- Developing communication through playing, displaying - for example - an emotion that a piece portrays to an audience
- Performing in front of an audience of peers and parents, identifying and managing performance nerves. Picking up and carrying on even if they have made a mistake (and everybody does!)​​
Learning a musical instrument can also help to develop lifelong skills, such as:
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- Improved academic achievement and work ethic
- Evolve a longer attention span/concentration and developing a sense of attention to detail
- Time management skills (e.g. planning when to fit practise time into each day)
- Self-motivational skills, (e.g. practising/studying before school or returning home from school)
- Following instructions carefully from teachers in what to practise and aid progress in a timely manner. Developing listening skills from the teacher and from music. Being respectful
- Developing patience with themselves when learning new pieces. Repetition in practise
- Good communication with teachers, classmates, friends
- Developing a performance persona. Building confidence in themselves and their abilities
- Gaining a sense of identity (e.g. “I am a pianist/saxophonist/guitarist/musician”)
- Working towards a deadline (e.g. for exams) – pacing progress and being satisfied with the work that has been put in over time
- Commitment and drive to seeing things through to the end (e.g. a performance, exam, or completing grade 8). Proving a sense of resilience in themselves
- Gaining UCAS points for achieving a grade 6 to 8 exam in the chosen instrument (e.g. ABRSM exam board)
- Gaining extra-curricular qualifications to put on university or job applications
- Using playing and learning towards the Skills section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Children's University and others
- Opening up a world of knowledge and passion that could take the student on a university and professional musical career path (previous students have gone to Oxford, Warwick and Manchester Universities to name a few, studying music and other subjects, and have used their knowledge and UCAS points to enhance their applications)
- Above all – enjoyment, enthusiasm and satisfaction of playing their instrument to a good standard and a love for music!