Why music classes are a beneficial extracurricular activity

There are thousands of different types of extracurricular activities for children that you can sign your child up to, although some are better than others. Music is perhaps amongst the most effective at helping children develop and grow in the best possible way.

Music classes are often associated with taking your child to music school, but this is just one of the options. There are plenty of options available, especially if you don't have that much time on your hands but still want your child to benefit from learning to play an instrument.

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At what age should you start learning to play an instrument?

This is often the question most people ask: at what age should my child start private music lessons? Most experts agree that 5 years old is a good age to start introducing your child to music.

This age is not an exact number, in fact, most experts suggest introducing your child to music little by little and that they should be the ones to decide when they are ready to start playing an instrument. If it is compulsory, it will be counterproductive.

Starting to play an instrument defines a lot about a person's personality, tastes and interests. That's why finding the perfect music teacher and instrument has to be something that we do alone.

Benefits of learning music for children

Learning how to play music is one of the best things you can do, whatever your age. However, it’s undeniable that there is a benefit to learning at a young age. Children are able to absorb information far better as they are said to have greater neural plasticity. Here are some other benefits:

• Better cognitive capacity: Improves memory and concentration. Music demands a great deal of concentration and the ability to retain certain types of information, skills that are applicable to other things in life.
• Promotes self-expression: Music is a type of art and is therefore a way to express oneself and communicate with the world. One of the things a child has to learn is how to express themselves. Music forces you to identify what you feel and externalise it, which also improves mental health.
• Increases social interaction: Learning an instrument is a good way to make friends. Often friends are made at music schools or academies, but even later in life musicians are often a tight-knit group.
• Better motor skills: Playing an instrument requires coordination, reflexes and rhythm which are all things that promote movement.
• Routine and discipline: Learning to play any instrument is not something you can do in an afternoon, it takes perseverance and practice.
• Stimulates the senses: One of the great evils that many children fall into is apathy and boredom. Music stimulates them and makes them alert and curious, so that they stay active.
• Promotes creativity: Music pushes you to create, to have new ideas and to express yourself artistically. Musicians think differently and awaken that part of the creative brain that is almost always silent.

What instrument should my child play?

If you are not a musician, it is quite normal that you are not sure which instrument to buy for your child. Even those who know how to play an instrument have doubts when they have to decide what a 5 year old can learn.

It is best to rely on the advice of a professional. However, these are the three most typical instruments to start learning how to play music:

• Piano: One of the most popular choices that can be played from an early age. It does not have a very complicated mechanism and the first levels do not require much skill. But little by little it gets more complicated as your child ages and progresses. 
• Guitar: It may not be the first instrument that comes to mind when we think of children, but there are small guitars that are designed for children. If your child manages to get to grips with it, they will have a huge range of possibilities ahead of them.
• Drums: It is a great instrument for both children and adults who have never played music before. Percussion is very intuitive and even if it gradually becomes more complicated, with the help of a drum tutor, your child will be able to progress easily.

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How can I sign my child up to music classes?

There are several ways to sign your child up to music classes, whether you want to find a music tutor or explore other options. Here are some of the most common ways to sign your child up to music classes:

• Music academies: These are usually a bit more informal than music schools. The academies are tailored to the needs of the students and tend to teach more practical and fun things.
• Music schools: Enrolling your child in a music school is the most professional way to learn an instrument. If you want your child to learn real music and not just how to play an instrument, this is the best option.
• Music tutoring: Finding a music tutor, whether it be a piano tutor or guitar tutor, is the most personalised way to learn to play an instrument. A private teacher will give your child tailored classes based on their needs and pace. This is the best way to start out as a beginner or for young children. Private music classes will introduce your child to the world of music in a fun and enjoyable way.

If you try some of these options and your child gets tired, bored or is not good at them, don't despair. It’s normal that the beginning is not easy, most children give up extracurricular activities, especially as they get older. Have faith in your child and try to stimulate their curiosity so that they become interested in music and, one way or another, they are sure to end up liking it.