The positive effects of learning music make it an ideal activity to engage in for children during quarantine, says Sachin Sharma
How difficult is it to sit idle? Well, this is something that every individual in the world must have found the answer to during lockdowns amid the Coronavirus scare. And with the new extension order in India, people are looking for ways to engage themselves. Since children are now involved in remote learning, they are also looking forward to exciting and entertaining ways to keep themselves busy. So, why not music?
In today’s digital world, distractions come easy. Help them break free from the tentacles of boredom by encouraging them to learn music. Lift off that cloth from your piano or the old keyboard, ask them to play those guitar strings and hand them those drumsticks, for music will not only keep them engrossed but will have numerous benefits.
Even if your child doesn’t know how to play an instrument, there are numerous apps to assist them online. There are tutorial videos, games, and apps that will take you from holding your instrument for the first time to playing your favorite songs. Chordana Play, a music application supported by android smartphones, is one such app that aids children to take three-step lessons either using the app’s keyboard or a USB-connected musical instrument keyboard. There is also a scoring system that lets one keep track of his/her progress. With such facilities at hand, it becomes easier for you to support your child in learning new music.
Learning music helps youngsters in several ways which a lot of parents might be unaware of. Here are a few reasons that would motivate both parents and children to imbibe the benefits of this beautiful art form:
Unites everyone
It can be a driving force in uniting people. Examples abound — the National Anthem keeps the people of a nation united while having the ability to promote ideals like peace and solidarity. It can motivate the the Army to face the challenges in a battlefield. A lullaby between a parent and child not just builds an emotional connect but also creates the ‘soundtrack’ of life for the child. While dancers groove to the beat of a song, rebels might have an anthem to voice their concerns. Connecting to a musical instrument leads to lasting friendships and memories. It can be a social glue, too, said researchers from Tokyo University of the Arts in a study.
Leads to better learning
Music sensitises our brain in a way that it breathes life in its less-active areas. It helps to improve memory, keeps the mind sharp, alert and engaged. Rhythm and pitch can be expressed as mathematical formulae, and musicians know the techniques through which they produce a certain sound. This not only makes the mind think deeper but also empowers the ability to differentiate between various things and sounds.
Stimulates creative and critical thinking
The creativity involved in learning an art strengthens critical thinking skills in kids. Visual learning through drawing, sculpting, and painting develops visual-spatial skills. This, in turn, teaches them how to interpret and use visual information. Additionally, sound and silence can improve concentration, fostering better analytical skills in children. For instance, some digital pianos have high tone quality and rhythm for the child to soak in the different tune.
Effects of enhanced creativity extend to many aspects of a child’s life. Children develop innovation skills when they’re encouraged to express themselves. Music is a form of self-expression which not only unfolds a child’s creative side but also imbues him/her with the ability to take calculated risks. Owning a creative hobby acts as an emotional modulator that restores a sense of balance in our lives.
Lowers anxiety and stress
The effect of music on human stress is spectacular, as various studies have shown. For centuries, sound therapies have long been popular as a way of relaxing and restoring one’s health. Music is an easy way to take some of the pressure off from all the daily hassles that spike your stress level and leave you feeling drained and anxious. Learning it early will help the child to grow with a sense of accomplishment. Playing music, like daily meditation or hitting the gym, increases focus and attention span.
Cultivates patience and discipline
Fortunately, there is no shortcut to playing a musical instrument. It takes a lot of time, effort, attention and determination to become competent. The process itself teaches patience and discipline with or without the learner realising it.
Research has shown that music offers enormous benefits to our body, mind and overall health. At this stage of life, where everything has come to a standstill, it is time to take baby steps in brightening your child’s future and well-being by inculcating a habit of practicing music in them.
As Plato said, “Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination.”
(The author is the head, Marketing, Casio India.)