15 Benefits of Music for Kids Health:

Creative Thinking

The first benefit of music is that it encourages creative thinking. Music is a creative form of self-expression. Parents who incorporate music into children’s lives give kids a creative outlet to express themselves emotionally and creatively. You can listen to music or encourage some musical instruction. The kind of music instruction can vary. Whether parents provide music classes, singing lessons, instrumental music training, or just sing and play with young children at home, music makes self-expression more accessible. For parents who need a little guidance on ideas how to sing and play with a young child, check out my free toddler music class here!

Relieving Stress and Anxiety

The benefits also include relieving stress and anxiety. This is dependent upon the type of music you listen to. I have found that listening to soothing music calms the mind. Listening to relaxing music before bedtime, playing or singing your child’s favorite songs helps their brain focus on happy and calm thoughts. Music also has physical health benefits… reducing heart rates during stressful moments. Music has been proven time and time again to be beneficial in these situations.

Music therapists often have patients listen to music. But, music therapy is not just listening to music. Music therapists use music to encourage people to have a better mood and outlook on life. Music therapy can be done by listening, creating or singing. It might also include dancing to the music.

Brain Development

Music is also beneficial in a child’s brain development. A study published shows that music instruction improves verbal memory. In addition, research shows that music will also increase the ability to memorize information, and speeds up problem-solving skills by as much as 20%.  Early music learning can really improve later academic performance. Music education doesn’t just have to be taking classes from various music programs, but parents intentionally bringing music to life in the home by singing and playing music instruments will affect their child. Young children listening to music can enjoy their favorite music in their everyday life and it helps them in so many ways!

Language Development

Music enhances language development in children and benefits the brain. This is most apparent in the young child. For instance, it is beneficial to speak with children about music during play time in order to promote cognitive development on a variety of levels. Music can be used in games such as identifying letters, shapes, colors or numbers by using musical references. For example, one can sing the alphabet song as a way to help their child recognize or identify letters. This is a great way for parents and caregivers to combine language and music through play time.

Improved Brain Plasticity and Spatial Intelligence

Music improves brain plasticity and spatial intelligence. That is key to their learning abilities!   Music helps children learn because of the way it stimulates brain development. It also activates parts of the brain that are related to memory, language and abstract thought as well as social behaviors such as empathy and emotional response.

Spatial intelligence involves the ability to think about objects in relation to one another and understand spatial relationships. It is also important for understanding math concepts such as geometry and algebra. One study found that music instruction at a young age can improve performance on tests of spatial intelligence later in life. The subjects who had received music lessons scored higher than those who had not.

Increased Concentration

Listening to classical or relaxing music increases concentration and eliminates other distractions in children. Increased concentration will ultimately result in greater academic achievement.

Calming Effect

Children who have been diagnosed with autism benefit from listening to classical music because it calms their nervous system and helps regulate emotions while improving cognitive function. Music therapy often incorporates classical music into treatment because listening to music is so effective.

ADHD Response

Music benefits children with ADHD and other mental disabilities by helping them with paying attention, regulating moods, and providing music therapy for various conditions. Affecting the development of neurotransmitters, music can help regulate a child’s mood by igniting dopamine production, which regulates pleasure and excitement. This is a noteworthy factor in language learning because it increases attentiveness.

Physical Health

Listening to music benefits kids’ health because it encourages physical activity that improves strength, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and coordination. Studies have shown that kids who move to music are healthier, happier and more confident than those who don’t.

Learning a Musical Instrument

Hand eye coordination, reading skills, math skills and social interaction are a few of the multitude of benefits in learning to play a musical instrumen. Learning a musical instrument requires focus, coordination and practice. It teaches responsibility as well as how to be organized and on time for lessons. Through the process of learning to play an instrument your child will build hand-eye coordination, improve their spelling skills through reading music notes and become better problem solvers. It will also help your child develop patience and perseverance, which are useful skills in life that will help them obtain many things they want. The sense of accomplishment when a child masters a new song is palpable and very rewarding for them as well as the parents or caregivers who see their hard work pay off with progress.

Music Education Effects on Social Skills

Additionally, arts education and music lessons allow older children to participate in group music making. Learning to play an instrument or sing with friends in various music programs provides social skills. Kids involved in band, orchestra or a singing group expand their social circle. They make new friends through their music teacher, practice sessions and performances. A result of being in choir or band with other children, they develop stronger bonds with people around them. Because of this, they have reduced depression from isolation.

Musical training often involves working with a teacher and that connection with an instructor in a music program can yield lifelong relationships. Learning to play music helps build self-esteem for your child which is great for developing healthy social skills and coping mechanisms.

Developing Discipline

Music training also increases discipline. It takes discipline to practice a musical instrument every day. Weekly music lessons provide the framework for instruction, but progress is only realized with consistent practice.

Creates Empathy for Others

Music learning supports learning about different cultures. Listening to the music of other cultures provides awareness and empathy for others. This will enhance the mind, body and soul. The sooner young minds are exposed to music from other cultures the more appreciative and empathetic they will be toward others. Children who listen to and learn about other cultures’ customs and traditions will be more tolerant of others’ beliefs. 

Elevates Self-Esteem

Musical training that involves taking music lessons, receives all the benefits of music! And musically trained children also develop higher self-esteem and confidence through performing or singing in front of an audience. Performance exposure can bring greater confidence because it gives children the chance to act out their emotions while interacting with many different people. The performance stage gives a child a sense of comfort – which is then translated to other areas of life.

Provides Bonding Experience

Enjoying listening to music together provides a bonding experience for parents and children that is important throughout life. Whether you are playing music, singing, are just listening to music, music brings joy to life and gives families a way to express love.

Bonus Benefit for Parents!

Music also contributes to reduced stress for the adults in children’s lives. Teachers or parents who play calming music while working with children are more patient and kind.

Conclusion 

As you can see, music improves the lives of children AND adults in so many ways. On the surface, it may not seem like music can actually result in good health for kids, but I have seen first hand there are many, many benefits of music for kids’ health. So I hope that you will take the time to play some favorite tunes, and whether or not you have any formal training, make music in your own family.

For parents of babies and toddlers who need a little help I have written a blog post that tells why I created an online music class for toddlers. You may find it helpful, and I encourage you to sign up for my free music class. You’ll get lots of great ideas on how you can work with your child at home with your favorite songs!

For parents of preschoolers, check out the materials (here’s one) I am creating to help you prepare your child for piano lessons. There are lots of games and activities you can play at home that will help your child succeed when they are ready for formal piano lessons.