The way our brain work still remains mysterious to us but the fact is that every kind of activity we engage in has an affect on it. Out of its two hemispheres, the left one is responsible for our analytical abilities and logic, whereas the right one stands for creativity – it’s where new ideas are born. Because most of us prevailingly engage in a one of the above group of activities more frequently, it’s very common that one half of our brain is more developed than the other…well, unless you are a musician.
Studies have shown that something incredible happens inside a musician’s brain – when playing an instrument brain activity all over the area spikes up. Brain is analyzing, planning, playing and every part of it is actively involved in the process. It’s something like a full workout for the brain strengthening its different functions.
Benefits of playing an instrument
Because playing an instrument affects both halves of the brain equally it is a so greatly beneficial for youngsters’ development. It sharpens academic as well as physical skills. Music and math are highly connected. By understanding melody and rhythm children are learning how to spot patterns and divide them in a non conventional way. Certain instruments demand physical involvement so that they contribute to child’s motor skills and coordination. Piano, violin, and other instruments that require for both hands to do different motions to play improve multitasking skills. Because of all the stages musicians goes through while playing they become more focused, better at planning and strategy and more observant of details. Highly connected brain of a musician can memorize and retrieve memories a lot faster.
Social skills are not a less important part of the benefits playing an instrument offers. Musicians more than often join bands and orchestras. To reach the best result there needs to be communication, understanding and trust between members.
When should a child start playing an instrument?
Starting playing music at the early age offers a better ground for brain capacity expansion. While not yet fully developed it’s simpler for left and right hemispheres to communicate with each other. Practicing music deepens those communication paths, makes the information fly faster and results in great problem solving and critical thinking skills. Studies have proven that brains of children who started playing an instrument before the age 7 can pick up sounds they wouldn’t be able to hear otherwise. This advantage of better distinguishing between certain sounds improves literacy skills and therefore academic results. Even though so, starting too young can do more harm than good and make you child despise music forever. To avoid this it’s important to engage your children only after they have already shown an interest in playing instruments and are at the age when they can stay focused for at least half an hour. It’s also very important to explain to your child that there’s a lot to practice before playing a good music. There might be little frustrations on the way but you’ll know you have done it right when your child starts having a lot of fun wit it!