by Lauren Chiodo

Created on: February 23, 2008

"Do I have to practice?" "If you like piano so much, why don't you play?"

How many of us uttered these words as a child when told that it was time to practice piano or other musical instruments? It's funny how some people grow out of that, and some don't...but the people who learn to enjoy playing whatever their instrument might be, reap the benefits for the rest of their lives.

1. Children who play musical instruments are smarter than children who don't.

Scientists have found that if music lessons are started before the elementary school years are over, those children permanently open up the portion of the brain that deals with spatial reasoning (this is also the part of the brain used when learning math, science, and even engineering). Piano, specifically, forces you to use both hemispheres of your brain. In the beginning, yes, many pieces are a melody in the right hand and a block chord in the left hand. Watch a more advanced pianist though-their hands move all over the keyboard, each hand doing something independent of the other. No wonder so many doctors that you meet will tell you that they're also accomplished musicians!

2. Playing a musical instrument helps develop hand/eye coordination.

Yes, video games develop hand/eye coordination as well as ball sports and other things; however, nothing surpasses the coordination developed through playing a musical instrument. When playing the instrument, you aren't looking at your hands-you're looking at the music. Not only are you playing what's on the page, but you're deciphering another language at the same time! You have to read the notes on the page, as well as the tempos, note values, and dynamic markings.

3. Children who play musical instruments have a higher self esteem and higher level of confidence.

Learning a new piece of music can be frustrating at first-and yes, it's like that every time you learn a new piece. A good student of music learns what to do to work through this frustration and turn it into something better: the desire to learn. Once the piece is conquered, it's a feeling of accomplishment that is unsurpassable. To know that at one time you struggled over this piece, and then to be able to sit down and play it from memory: it's an amazing feeling.

4. Playing a musical instrument develops good habits that last a lifetime.

A student of music knows that to learn a piece of music they must practice every day, do what their teacher tells them, and spend time independent of that learning the deeper meaning behind the sheet music in front of them. This carries over to school work: homework is like practice time, you study to get ready for a test (performance), and if you do all of this, you know that you're ready to take the test (or perform in front of 1000 people at Carnegie Hall).

Music lessons are such an important part of a child's life. Everyone can reap the benefits of a musical education. Do some research in the phone book, through friends, or on the Internet, and get enrolled in music classes today!

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