By Timothy Owen


For many people, learning to play a musical instrument is an intrinsic part of childhood and schooling. Today, music lessons are often compulsory in many secondary schools with extra lessons often available outside of school hours. It is commonly known that children are more susceptible when it comes to learning to play musical instruments. The sad fact is that many children don't take advantage of these opportunities, something that is often regretted later in life.

Playing musical instruments across the board, some more obvious than others. For many children, playing an instrument at school opens a whole world of opportunities. Firstly, it offers a social gain. Taking lessons with groups of like-minded children can be an enjoyable experience for your child and close friendships are often formed. Even out of school, many groups of young people choose to show off their musical talents by forming bands.

Performing in front of an audience is a daunting prospect for many people, but performing from an early age can boost confidence and this can be taken forward into a whole host of situations in later life.

Recent studies have revealed a less obvious benefit that can be gained from playing a musical instrument. Research carried out at the University of Kansas concluded that people that learn to play an instrument for a prolonged period in their lives and to a high standard are less likely to suffer from neurological problems such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's in later life. The studies suggest that brain activity that occurs whilst playing a musical instrument, prepares the brain to cope with the deterioration that occurs during old age.

Keeping an active brain can help to slow down the effects of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and a great way of doing this is by carrying on playing musical instruments. Apart from within the school, there are many ways in which you can introduce your child to the world of music. Several musicians such as Stephen Baron have set up schools especially for young musicians.




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