Should Your Child Learn an Instrument? Music and Academic Benefits 

Learning an instrument can be exciting, but sometimes frustrating.

However, the benefits of learning an instrument go beyond the music room. A 2014 study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience discusses how childhood musical training leads to increased motor skills, emotional development, and cognition, such as memory, attention, reasoning, and reading. Moreover, a 2016 study by Benz et al. provides supporting findings that childhood musical training contributes to language and reading skills, working memory, visual attention, and cognitive speed. Whether your child is interested in piano, violin, guitar, drums, flute, trumpet, or any other instrument, learning one or more of these can help students build their self-discipline, self-expression, and self-confidence, contributing to their success in and outside of the classroom. 

Why Music Matters in Middle School 

Middle school is an important time for students to explore their interests. At this age, middle schoolers are becoming more independent, forming stronger opinions, and learning how to manage schoolwork, friendships, extracurriculars, and responsibilities. 

Music gives students a structured but creative outlet! It requires intentional practice, attention to detail, and most of all, the perseverance to keep trying when a note or technique seems difficult. These habits carry into the classroom, such as breaking a song or goal into smaller, manageable steps. 

The benefits of learning an instrument are not just for students who want to become professional musicians. Music can help students build transferable skills that support academic growth, leadership, communication, and emotional development. 

#1: Music Can Strengthen Focus and Self-Discipline 

One of the benefits of music lessons for kids is that it teaches students focus and self-discipline. Learning an instrument requires students to focus, listen carefully, repeat challenging sections, and correct mistakes over time. 

This process teaches students that improvement comes from consistency. This same habit applies to schoolwork. A student who learns how to practice a difficult measure of music may also be more comfortable reviewing math problems or studying for a science test. 

#2: Music Supports Memory and Learning 

Learning to play an instrument requires students to multitask. They may need to read music, count rhythm, listen to pitch, follow a teacher’s feedback, and coordinate their hands to play what note is coming next. 

Music uses attention, memory, movement, and listening all together; it supports how students process and retain information. One of the benefits of learning to play an instrument is that students practice the same habits when learning in the classroom: listening closely, remembering instructions, correcting errors, and building skills over time. 

#3: Music Encourages Problem-Solving 

Learning an instrument involves constant problem-solving. Students have to ask themselves questions, such as: 

#4: Music Helps Students Build Patience and Resilience 

Music lessons can help students build patience and resilience because progress happens gradually. Students may struggle with rhythm, reading music, posture, or breath control, but they learn that they improve with difficult sections over time. This mindset is especially helpful when navigating schoolwork, extracurriculars, and responsibilities. 

#5: Music Can Strengthen Social Skills 

Music can be both individual and collaborative. A student may practice alone, but they may also play in a band, orchestra, choir, or school performance. 

Group music experiences can help students learn teamwork, listening, cooperation, and accountability. Students may have to follow a conductor, listen to other sections, stay on beat, and understand how their part contributes to the whole group. 

#6: Music Gives Students a Healthy & Creative Outlet 

Middle school students are at an age in which they’re navigating academic pressure, friendships, responsibilities, and increased expectations. Music can be a healthy way for students to express themselves. 

Some students enjoy pop music, while others may prefer rock, jazz, classical, or even composing their own songs. One of the benefits of music lessons for kids is that they can build both structure and creativity at the same time. They learn technique, but they also learn how to interpret notes and rhythm and create their own. 

For students who enjoy creative extracurriculars, music can become part of their middle school experience! 

#7: How to Choose the Right Instrument 

Choosing the right instrument can make a difference in whether a child stays motivated. Parents should consider the child’s interest, physical comfort, school opportunities, budget, and practice environment. 

Questions to ask include: 

#8: How Parents Can Support Students’ Music Learning 

Parents can help students’ music lessons by creating a supportive environment. On one hand, too much pressure can make music feel like another stressful assignment for students. On the other hand, little to no structure can make it difficult for students to improve. 

Parents can support their child by: 

The benefits of learning to play an instrument are strongest when students feel supported, not forced. Balance expectations with encouragement and patience to help music become a meaningful part of their development. 

Final Thoughts 

The benefits of learning an instrument include stronger focus, patience, discipline, problem-solving, and increased confidence. The benefits of music lessons for kids help students grow into more resilient and well-rounded learners. The benefits of learning to play an instrument are not about performing perfectly every time; music gives students an outlet for social growth, creativity, and expressing themselves. 

Whether your child joins band, starts piano lessons, tries guitar, sings in a choir, or explores music independently, learning an instrument builds lifelong skills that support them in middle school, high school, college, and beyond. 

For more activities that contribute to success beyond middle school, please visit Selecting Courses and Extracurriculars in Middle School That Affect High School.