are music lessons worth the cost?
By Sarah Lyons
Does your child love to sing? Love plunking on the piano or pounding on the drum? Do you think you might have a future musician in your home? The average cost of private music lessons ranges from $15- $40 per half hour (takelessons.com). Keep in mind the cost will vary depending on location and the expertise of the teacher. With these numbers, private lessons cost parents $1,000 to $2,000 a year. This may make you wonder, are music lessons really worth it? Let’s look at some short- and long-term benefits of music lessons.
Music teaches patience, discipline and work ethic
Learning to play beautiful music doesn’t
happen overnight. All students must start from
the beginning playing scales and mastering
basic skills. In our society instant gratification
is the norm. Music teaches the value of
patience and discipline because children must
set aside time for practice and make it part of
their routine in order to further their skills.
Music teaches children a good work ethic
because they see the value of practice as
they improve and reach new achievements.
Students will learn how dedication creates good
results, while failing to do all the necessary practice results in mediocre results. These
lessons carry into school studies and future
employment.
Music develops memory, math and language
Is your child always forgetting things? Music
requires kids to practice memorization. Even if
sheet music is used, students memorize how to
play each note and the sheet music eventually
becomes a guide. Students can use their
developing memorization skills in a variety of
ways in school and at home.
Music helps develop math and language skills
that give kids an edge in school. “Students
who have early musical training will develop
the areas of the brain related to language and
reasoning. The left side of the brain is better
developed with music.” (National Association
for Music Education)
Music provides teamwork and builds self esteem
Teamwork isn’t just for sports. Music students
may have an opportunity to participate
in a band or orchestra. This provides kids
experience working as a team and a sense of
camaraderie. Teamwork develops social skills that they will use for a lifetime.
Kids will gain confidence as they begin to
perform music for an audience. This helps kids
learn to face their fears and builds self-esteem.
As kids build up this confidence, they are more
likely to boost their communication skills and
have increased social development.
In music, there is always room for improvement. This creates the opportunity for
students of any age to improve and challenge
themselves for many years to come.
Music helps improve grades and exposes kids to other cultures
Studies show that children who are exposed
to music education have higher SAT scores and
better grades in school overall. (Children’s Music
Workshop)
Through music kids are exposed to other
cultures, teaching them awareness and empathy
for others. This helps them become more
accepting of other cultures at an early age.
My daughter recently started taking piano
lessons. As I sat in the room observing her first
lesson, I witnessed something. As she played
her first chord, a smile spread across her face.
It was clear she has a true love for music. To
me, this makes the cost of lessons worth it.
Each family will have to weigh the overall price
of music lessons against their child’s enjoyment
of music and the many benefits to make a
decision whether music lessons are truly worth
the cost.
