My entire life has been filled with music. From the time I was young to today, well into my retirement, it has helped shape who I am and what I love. And I’m not alone – music means so much to so many of us, wherever we are and whatever culture we come from. Without even being aware of it, music has many benefits for our development and well-being.
As someone who has worked with Youth Orchestras across Canada, I have seen the direct benefits that music has bestowed on young people.
Many early development programs are music-focused. You might wonder why this is. It’s well known that music can help with early brain development. Children who are exposed to music at a very young age tend to develop language and reading skills faster than their peers. It is also known that learning to play an instrument can improve skills in mathematics. Music is about finding and following patterns which is very similar to how we approach various methods in math. The rhythmic part of music can help young people develop motor skills and coordination.
Another benefit of music is the strengthening of social skills. Music is often played in a group or shared with others present. While it is a very personal skill set it is also a very social one as well.
It’s no surprise that music is an important part of building one’s creativity. Creativity is not only an important way to connect to your emotions and make art, but it also gives us skills in problem solving. Youth who can tap into their creative minds are more likely to think outside of the box. Having this unique skill will be useful in all aspects of their lives.
Music can also give kids a boost in self-confidence. The power of being creative is that it allows you to express who you are and what you are feeling. Music is a safe way for students to find a connection with others and feel comfortable with who they are.
One of my favourite things about music is how it affects our brains and nervous systems. Music is proven to help reduce stress which can help us improve sleep quality, mental alertness, and even improve memory. A study from the New York Times examined the effects music had on surgical patients. Half of the candidates received regular care for their cataract surgery, while the other half listened to music of their choice before, during and after the procedure. Those who listened to the music had blood pressures that came down faster and stayed down in the recovery room over their non-music listening counterparts.
I have just touched on a few reasons that music is beneficial for us – but it’s especially beneficial for young people. Ultimately, though, most of us want to have music as part of our lives because we love it. It brings me a lot of joy to know that music will continue to enrich the lives of people for generations to come.