As parents, we all want to raise their children with as many advantages as possible. In addition to a myriad of benefits, there have been countless studies that connect music with a child’s intellectual and social growth, which makes it a fun, joyous way to help our kids grow into healthy, happy grown-ups. So let’s commit to raising a musical child!

The Science & Why Music Is Important

Since the 1990s, a multitude of studies has connected music education with a child’s intellectual and social growth. Our top takeaways:

Ÿ  • Kids who study music have larger vocabularies and more advanced reading skills, as learning music develops the part of the brain that processes language. These kids also tend to score higher on reading and spelling tests.

Ÿ  • Music is closely aligned with math, so even a few years of music-making experience translates into higher math skills.

Ÿ  • Music builds self-esteem as a child sees improvement in their skills – some will enjoy showing off a bit for family and friends!

Ÿ  • Music performance teaches kids to conquer fear and take risks.

Ÿ  • Kids who suffer from anxiety or stress may find that a creative outlet like music is a relaxing, calming activity.

What You Can Do:

1. Create a Musical House. Do babies in the womb benefit from mom listening to music? For sure it helps mom relax! Once out, young minds are better off growing up in a home where music is all around. Young children are naturally drawn to music; this is why apps like Samsung Kids+ (a subscription service featuring safe, educational and entertainment content for kids) use music to teach preschoolers in learning videos, as music is the best way to engage young minds. And the more variety in the music your kids hear, the better.

2. Join Baby/Toddler Music Programs. Two well-known options are Kindermusik and Gymboree, who incorporate music and movement into play. Local city programs, daycare facilities, and learning centers will often have music-based programs.  There are also many apps available that expose preschoolers to music learning. 

3. Be a Role Model. If you ever played an instrument as a kid, share your experiences with your child, or get that old guitar out of its case! Singing and dancing at home are also musical expressions that will rub off on your kids in a great way. Show them how much fun you can have with music!

4. Explore Your Local Community. Seek out live music of all types. If you’re lucky enough to live in a city with a local symphony, see if they have programs for young children. Local theater groups will stage musicals for kids, or check out those free Sunday afternoon concerts with musicians playing in the park. Live music can be a big influence on how children learn to think about music.

5. When Should I Get Music Lessons? Of course, while listening to and enjoying music is a great start, actually learning to play an instrument is the goal for your child, which is how they can reap those benefits mentioned above. It’s most common to start kids at age five or six. For younger children, there are Suzuki method teachers who offer string lessons to kids as young as three. Some think that’s too young, but like many things, it depends on the child. Some instruments (like the violin or piano) are better suited for small hands than others but talk to a music teacher for their advice. Next, you might ask…

6. Where Do I Find a Music Teacher? Your local music store will have music teachers available for a variety of instruments, and most music stores rent instruments so you don’t have to go all-in to purchase one. You can also contact local chapters of organizations like the Music Teachers National Association or The Royal Conservatory of Music, both of which have online tools that let you search their database for a teacher near you. Or check with the music department at your local community college, the band director at your local high school, or even the music director at your church. You’ll find that musicians form a tight community and are eager advocates for music education.

7. Check Out School Music Programs. Typically these start in third or fourth grade and have the added benefit of letting your child play with a group from the start. School band programs enhance music learning by creating a community of kids who perform together, go on trips together, and form a unique bond through music. While playing an instrument is still a great experience alone, there’s nothing like making music with others.

8. What About Practicing? We all know the joke: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice! Our advice is this: Music is a journey, not a destination. Successful children come from a home where you don’t quit in the middle of something, and music is no different. But you also need to weigh the costs with the benefits. If it’s a battle and you can only get a few minutes of practice a day, it’s the long haul that will pay off, and a few minutes is better than none at all. You’ve never heard anyone say they wish they had never taken a piano lesson, but many adults wish they had never quit.

This isn’t about making professional musicians. It’s about many things—opening a door to self-expression, bringing opportunities for joy, letting your child be part of a larger community, and allowing kids to get their brain working in a way that will give them an advantage in school. Bonus? You’ll be that proud parent during family gatherings when your child gets to show off their interruption of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”

Kevin Mitchell

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Kevin Mitchell is a stay-at-home/freelance writer and author and dad in St. Louis.