by Linda Silva

First, a disclaimer: It’s best if music students practice their instruments regularly. We as parents and educators need to help them find a way to do that. All students have it in them to become accomplished musicians, and I’ve had the privilege of  seeing hundreds of them get there. (Really, hundreds? Yes. I did the math.)

 But that said…not every child who takes lessons learns to play. Most do, but the truth is that sometimes  children can come to music lessons for years and simply never put in the practice time necessary to develop proficiency. Does that mean all the effort that wasput in--the weekly sojourns to the music school or teacher’s house, the tuition paid, the books bought--was a waste? I don’t think so. 

Here’s why:

 ·     Children who have had music lessons know what notes are, which is good human-being knowledge to have. They understand there are discernible symbols for melody and rhythm,  loud and soft, short and long. They know these things can be executed on an instrument or with the voice.

·     Children who have had music lessons realize that said execution takes a whole lot of effort. When they hear someone do it well, they know what they’re hearing. Appreciating others makes life nicer.

·     Children who have had music lessons are better at listening. Their ears are sharper. Having to discern between one pitch and another, identify instruments, or pick one note out of a chord takes an aural focus few other things demand. It helps in learning languages, navigating chaotic environments, and simply paying attention to the world.

·     Children who have had music lessons have brains wired for later music study. Should they choose to pick up an instrument again, it will be easier for them than if they had never been exposed at all.

·     Children who have had music lessons are familiar with musical environments and musical people. Careers that require this include entertainment law, concert promotion, artist development, sound engineering, and film production, to name just a few.

·     Children who have had music lessons have tried something different. Maybe soccer or gymnastics was their true childhood love, but when those things fade they’ll know there are other things to do too.

·     Children who have had music lessons have an easier time in front of groups. Because they’ve made it through a recital or two, presenting an idea at a meeting or raising their hand in class is much less intimidating.

 Being able to play an instrument well is fun, and something we can enjoy doing all our lives. But if proficiency didn’t happen the first time around, all those lessons at least laid a foundation. They set a place in the brain. They invited music in, and the chair is still waiting.