We all know the importance of music education. It’s no surprise to anyone that taking music lessons has been proven to help in a child’s developmental process. Music lessons aid in the development of speech and reading skills. Children who study music will find an increase in their school grades. They have more confidence, discipline, focus, memory, and better social skills.
Music can save lives for children who don’t find themselves fitting in academically in school, and haven’t found their passion or drive yet. If a child struggles to find their passion, they often end up in less than ideal situations, (in trouble). Children need to find things they are good at an early age. “Some children need to move to think”, (Dr. Ken Robinson). They can’t be strapped to a desk all day long. They may learn better through visual examples, audio examples or they might learn better though kinesthetic learning. Some students learn better by doing. Finding a music instructor that understands this is imperative.
We have had many students over the years who come to us, and don’t know what they like, or what they’re good at, and they’re not doing well in school. They have never taken music lessons before, and their parents are desperate to find something their child will take an interest in. Often, when we do find an instrument the student feels a connection with, we see a total change in their personality. If provided the chance, music does help direct students in the right direction. It’s not just about learning songs or technique on the instrument. Music helps put a whole new focus into that student’s life that was missing before. We notice a change in their whole being. Their focus completely changes. There is a complete breakthrough!! The student is more positive, proactive, confident, and we notice an increase in their school grades (and their interest in school). They are more concerned and focused about their future, and often, the friends they hang around with, if negative, changes as well.
“Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.”
“You are who you hang around with.”
I used to hate hearing this when growing up, but now looking back, and after years of teaching and watching students grow, it’s amazing how true this statement is. A great instructor can be this positive role model… this friend.
It is absolutely critical that a child begins to find what they are good at, at a young age. Don’t rely on the school system to help find your child’s passion. You, the parent, must play a role in this process and development. If your son or daughter shows an interest in music, spots, art, movies… feed that passion!! Buy them movies, magazines on that topic, take them to the library so they can find books about what they love, or bring them to a live show. Find someone in that field that can coach and inspire them to take it further.
Lastly, for your child to believe that they’re inadequate, not worthy, not smart or will never succeed just because their school grades are low, is a huge mistake!!
There are numerous successful business owners who had C averages or lower in school, that are now running very successfully businesses, on an international and global level, that have those A+ students with bachelors, masters, and PhD’s working for them.