To learn an instrument such as the violin or clarinet takes years. The job opportunities for musicians are scarce and competition is fierce. Then why are more people than ever before paying a lot of good cash to get their children the best music tuition they can afford?
The secret lies in the impact of music on the whole person. Diverse sources detail the influence that learning a musical instrument has on children and even on adults. Occupational therapists are currently recommending to parents of children who struggle with schoolwork, to let them learn an instrument. This, along with horse riding and swimming, has become a bit of a pet recommendation.
It has been found that learning a musical instrument actually increases a person's IQ over time. Different instruments and different types of music have varying effect, with classical music and the string family (violin, viola, cello) coming out on top, potentially increasing your IQ by up to 12 points! In certain regions of Europe, music in schools is now a mandatory subject once more.
When is a good time to start learning music? Experts have found that even the fetus in the womb can benefit from listening to classical music. Surround yourself and your family with good music from the first. Toddlers love banging on stuff and playing xylophone, or tooting on recorders and mouth organs. The Suzuki Violin Method teaches children from the age of 3 years violin, with two lessons per week, one single and one in a group setup. From preschool, children can learn to read music and play from sheet music. Progress in learning your instrument is directly proportional to the amount of practicing.
Is there such a thing as an unmusical child? Shinichi Suzuki proposes that music is the native home language of all human beings and therefore nobody can be "unmusical". Of course there are exceptional talents, compared to which others may seem to be slower learners.
Is there any benefit for adults in starting an instrument? Apart from the purely relaxing aspect, yes. Learning an instrument can earn even adults additional IQ points, and as an added benefit it improves your health by reducing your stress levels. Your social life may benefit too, if you are prepared to come out of your box and join occasions such as Ceilidhs (musical get-togethers) or arrange house concerts. It has been established that people who play instruments tend to be more emotionally balanced and more patient with themselves, others and life in general.
So go ahead, sign up for that amateur orchestra, dust off your old trombone or take your first real six-string from the summer of '69 down from the attic; get out there and play!
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