If you’ve ever felt like a strict parent pushing your child to learn a musical instrument, you’re definitely not alone. I made a firm commitment to my daughter that she would stick with piano lessons, and I mean it! While the constant repetition of notes while she learns a new piece can make me question my sanity, and the endless pleas for her to practice can make me cringe at the sound of my own voice, every parent loves a well-timed “I told you so” moment.
A recent study from the University of Vermont is giving parents everywhere the perfect opportunity to say just that. James Hudson, the study’s author and a professor at the university, along with his team, set out to investigate the impact of positive activities like music on children’s developing brains. What they discovered is nothing short of extraordinary—music might just work wonders on our kids’ cognitive and emotional development.
If you’ve been encouraging your child to practice their instrument, you might be doing them a huge favor. Not only can they develop impressive musical abilities, but they may also become more well-rounded individuals. According to a report by The Washington Post, this study explored the effects of musical training on healthy children’s minds, and the results are likely to make parents feel much better about the investment in those music lessons.
The study revealed that the thickness of the developing cortex in children’s brains is positively influenced by musical training, which correlates to improved memory, attention, organizational skills, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Hudson noted, “We found that the more a child trains on an instrument, the quicker their cortical organization in attention skills, anxiety management, and emotional control develops.”
So when your ears are about to bleed from hearing the same song repeated ad nauseam, remember—you’re helping your child grow in multiple developmental areas. In a world that often prioritizes fast-paced learning, the arts, including music, are frequently sidelined in our educational system. I was prepared to invest in lessons myself to ensure my daughter learned discipline and picked up a skill that could serve her well in the future—after all, you never know when someone might ask you to play at a school event or karaoke night with friends.
Hudson’s research suggests that encouraging our kids to play an instrument can be beneficial not only for their musical abilities but also for their academic performance and emotional maturity. What parent wouldn’t want their child to be more organized, excel in their studies, and navigate their emotions better? Hudson added, “I aimed to explore positive influences on child development. I was particularly surprised by the findings related to emotional regulation.” Just as lifting weights builds muscle, engaging in music strengthens important brain functions.
This is great news for parents. We can motivate our kids to practice because it’s essentially exercise for the brain—a chance for them to develop maturity and emotional control. Plus, it’s comforting to think that music can assist children dealing with anxiety or depression.
Reflecting on my own experience, I took piano lessons for seven years but ultimately quit in high school due to a packed schedule—one of my biggest regrets. I often wish I could still play, which is why I’m committed to encouraging my kids to continue their musical journeys.
Unfortunately, many public schools are neglecting music education, leaving parents to seek alternative options. As Tom Barnes notes in Music.Mic, a staggering three-quarters of high school students “rarely or never” receive extracurricular lessons in music or the arts, depriving them of crucial developmental benefits. Research shows that learning music can enhance spatial-temporal skills, aiding in complex problem-solving and boosting reading comprehension and verbal abilities, especially for non-native English speakers.
In a nutshell, enrolling your child in music lessons could be the key to helping them thrive academically and emotionally. So, when they complain about wanting to quit, just smile and remind them that it’s for their own good—and now you have the science to back you up.
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In summary, investing in music lessons for your children not only fosters their musical talents but also enhances their emotional and cognitive development, paving the way for success in various aspects of their lives.