9 Benefits of Learning an Instrument

"Music improves cognitive and non-cognitive skills more than twice as much as sports, theater or dance." Kids who take music lessons "have better cognitive skills and school grades and are more conscientious, open and ambitious. These effects do not differ by socio-economic status."

Those are the findings of a 2013 study called "How Learning a Musical Instrument Affects the Development of Skills." 

That research and the work of others have led to the following conclusions. 

1) Studying music strengthens reading and verbal skills.

2) It improves both long and short-term memory. 

3) Performing music opens up your creativity.  

4) It helps you learn languages more quickly.

5) Playing music can help you become a better listener.

6) Practicing an instrument improves finger dexterity and accuracy.

7) It improves mathematical and spatial-temporal reasoning.

8) Learning to play an instrument can boost the musician's I.Q.

9) Developing musical skills enhances self-confidence and self-esteem.

Learn more about each of those benefits and others in the article "Music Lessons Were the Best Thing Your Parents Ever Did for You, According to Science." 

(Here's the list of music classes offered at Adrian Public Schools.) 

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