Benefits of Learning Music

There have been numerous studies that have linked music to healthy brain development, academic success, social skills, self-esteem, physical health, and emotional intelligence. The Music Loft is the best music school in Northern Virginia and can help you reach your full musical potential. Let’s take a deeper look at some of these benefits.

Brain Development

Exposing music to your brain stimulates various areas of the brain, including those responsible for language processing, spatial-temporal skills, and executive functions. Engaging in any musical activity helps to strengthen neural connections, leading to enhanced cognitive abilities and improved problem-solving skills.

Motor Skills Development

Learning an instrument develops both fine and gross motor skills. The fine motor skills you use to hold a pencil or tie your shoelaces are strengthened as playing an instrument develops your hand-eye coordination and ability to make connections between placing fingers in the correct place on your instrument.  Gross motor skills allow people to walk, run, and dance. Playing an instrument requires balance, hand-eye coordination, and motor sequencing.  Drummers, for example, use all of their arms and legs to play which uses all of their motor skills. 

Academic Development

In an 2019 article published by the American Psychological Association students who played a musical instrument throughout High School scored significantly higher on exams compared to students who did not participate in music.

“On average, the children who learned to play a musical instrument for many years, and were now playing in high school band and orchestra, were the equivalent of about one academic year ahead of their peers concerning their English, mathematics, and science skills, as measured by their exam grades.”- American Psychological Association. 

Article: “A Population-Level Analysis of Associations Between School Music Participation and Academic Achievement,” by Martin Guhn, PhD, Scott D. Emerson, MSc, and Peter Gouzouasis, PhD, The University of British Columbia. Journal of Educational Psychology. Published online June 20, 2019. The Music Loft is the best music school in Northern Virginia and our curriculum is designed to provide the musician with the highest caliber of instruction on their chosen instrument.

Social Development

Participating in a vibrant music community is imperative for students’ well-being and emotional growth. A shared musical experience bisects language barriers, cultural differences, and socio-economic differences to create a community. Students come together to create music which requires a common effort, both emotionally and technically. Students can be at various levels of achievement however ensemble playing gives all students some level of responsibility for themselves, for one another, and the greater good of the ensemble. Ensembles require children to engage by allowing themselves to embrace personal and group goals and challenges. For preteens and teenagers, being in an ensemble during this crucial period of development can be an important anchor. An ensemble that is a good fit for a child becomes a safe shared place for them emotionally, and being in music, especially with friends and peers, helps them become positive, healthy young adults. 

Best Music School in Northern Virginia

If you are looking to learn a new instrument or enhance your skills as a musician, The Music Loft, nominated for the Best of Auburn awards in 2023 and 2024, is here to help. Please contact us at (703) 956-6563 or info@themusicloftonline.com to schedule a free trial lesson.