The benefits of children learning music

I often get asked whether I think all children should learn music or just those that are “musically inclined”.  I think all children are musically inclined, and music needed to be presented to them in a way that is appealing.  Music helps children build so many skills, that there is a very strong argument to be made for music for all.  In fact, with the new National Education Policy removing the distinction between curricular and co/extra-curricular subjects, and emphasising music, art, and creative education, there has never been a better time for children to learn music.

Through SaPa in Schools, we currently work with 30,000 children a year, making music a meaningful part of school education, and here are the top five benefits of learning music:

Learning music helps develop an entrepreneurial mindset: In an article from a few years ago, Panos Panay, founding managing director of Berklee ICE (Institute for Creative Entrepreneurship), had some great insights to share about the link between music and entrepreneurship. “Learning how to play a musical instrument and becoming a musician,” he says, “is an exercise in developing good listening skills, experimenting, overcoming repeated failure, self-discipline, and successful collaboration.” Since these are also qualities seen in successful entrepreneurs, there is merit to teaching children early on that there is a lot to be gained from hard work and perseverance.

Music can help children be prepared for the workplace of the future: Government and industry leaders everywhere are discussing the future of work and the changes brought by technology and automation. Today, we can only estimate the needs of the workplace twenty years from now. What percentage of job activities will be vulnerable to automation? How can we thrive in this changing landscape? One thing is clear, however; some of the most valued skills are and will continue to be, empathy, problem-solving, and teamwork. Music is one of the most effective tools in building these skills. While it is a great stress buster, it is also a powerful way to shape the next generation of thinkers.

Music helps develop language skills: Research has shown that early childhood is the best time to learn a second language, as the child is more likely to retain fluency in both languages over time. Besides, our brains process music and language in a similar way, so introducing young children to music will show parallel benefits in language development as well.

Music helps children perform better in school: Music is a gateway to developing skills that children will use in school. For instance, group activities will teach them team spirit, and learning an instrument or singing will teach them the value of practice and patience. Tapping into the power of persistence at a young age will make sure that a child is ready for all the challenges of formal education.

Musical activities help develop motor and coordination skills: There are benefits to introducing music to children of all ages – the sooner the better. Teaching young children how to use simple rhythm instruments (like shakers) will help them listen closely and make the sound they want. And when they move along to action songs or musical group activities, they develop motor skills.

Most importantly, music brings joy and can be a great way for children to connect with themselves and the world around.

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Written by Bindu Subramaniam

Bindu Subramaniam is a singer/songwriter and music educator and is the CEO and Co-Founder of SaPa – Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts. Bindu has been described as a “third-generation prodigy” by the Hindustan Times, “a Bangalore woman changing the way children learn” by Femina Karnataka magazine, and an “assured young soprano” by the Times of India. In 2021, she was listed as GQ Magazine’s 25 most influential young Indians. She also appeared on BusinessWorld’s list of women achievers and was named in their list of 40 under 40