Nov 01, 2023

10 Ways After-School Music Lessons Help Students Do Better in School

For parents seeking to provide their children with a well-rounded education, integrating music into their lives is often a priority. But did you know that after-school music lessons can truly have a profound impact on your child’s academic performance?

You might be wondering, how can after-school music lessons help kids do better in school? Here are 10 compelling reasons why enrolling your child in after-school music programs, such as those offered at Bach to Rock, can help them excel in their studies.

1. Enhances Memory and Cognitive Skills

The Mozart Effect and Beyond

Research has consistently shown that students who study music demonstrate improved memory and cognitive skills. Learning to play an instrument or sing requires the brain to process multiple types of information simultaneously, enhancing neural connections and memory capacity.

For example, when a student learns to play Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” on the piano, they memorize a sequence of notes, rhythms, and dynamics. This exercise of memory recall in learning pieces helps in academic settings, such as when recalling historical dates or formulas in math.

2. Boosts Math and Spatial Skills

The Connection Between Rhythm and Math

Patterns, rhythm, and scales in music can actually bolster math skills. Understanding beats, scales, and intervals can help kids grasp mathematical concepts like fractions and patterns.

For example, when a student learns to read a piece in 3/4 time signature, they’re indirectly understanding the concept of fractions—each measure gets three quarter-note beats. This comprehension aids in mathematical subjects where fractions are fundamental.

3. Fosters Discipline and Time Management

The Routine of Practice

One of the most understated skills kids acquire during music lessons is discipline. The consistent routine of practice instills a sense of responsibility and time management, which is beneficial in their school work.

To prepare for an upcoming recital, a student may set aside 30 minutes daily for practice. This discipline in managing their time efficiently can translate to setting aside dedicated study hours for upcoming school tests.

4. Improves Reading and Comprehension Skills

Deciphering Musical Notes

Reading sheet music is similar to learning a new language. By learning to read musical notes, children also improve their reading and comprehension abilities in their regular studies.

Sight-reading sheet music requires students to interpret symbols (notes) and their meaning (pitch and duration). Similarly, in a literature class, understanding the meaning behind words and context can improve comprehension.

5. Enhances Physical Coordination

Harmonizing Hand-Eye Coordination

Playing instruments, especially those like the drums or piano, requires simultaneous hand-eye coordination. This physical dexterity can translate to improved motor skills in other activities.

A student playing the guitar needs to coordinate their left hand’s finger placements with their right hand’s strumming. This coordination is similar to activities like typing or even lab experiments that require fine motor skills.

6. Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence

The Joy of Mastery

Conquering a musical piece or playing in a recital offers students a sense of achievement. This boost in self-esteem and confidence can carry over to classroom presentations and group projects.

After months of practice, a child performs a solo in front of their peers and receives applause. This accomplishment can boost their confidence, making them more likely to participate actively in class discussions or volunteer for school presentations.

7. Teaches Patience and Resilience

Overcoming Musical Challenges

Not every musical endeavor is smooth. Facing challenges in learning an instrument teaches students patience and resilience, skills that are crucial in tackling difficult academic subjects.

A student might struggle initially with a complex drum rhythm. However, after repeated practice, they master it. This persistence teaches them not to give up easily, a trait useful when tackling challenging academic subjects.

8. Cultivates Social Skills and Teamwork

The Ensemble Experience

Participating in group lessons or bands at Bach to Rock offers children a chance to work collaboratively. This teamwork nurtures social skills, mirroring group projects and teamwork in the classroom.

Being part of a school band requires collaboration. If one instrument section is out of sync, it affects the entire performance. This mirrors group projects in school where each member’s contribution is crucial for the overall result.

9. Encourages Creativity and Critical Thinking

The Art of Interpretation

Music isn’t just about playing notes on a page. It’s about interpretation, emotion, and expression. This creativity and critical thinking can enhance a child’s ability to approach problems in academic subjects innovatively.

In jazz improvisation, a student must think on their feet, creating melodies that fit the chord progressions. This ability to think critically and creatively can aid in essay writing or solving complex problems in subjects like physics.

10. Provides Stress Relief and Emotional Expression

The Therapeutic Power of Music

Let’s face it: school can be stressful. Music offers an outlet for emotional expression and a form of therapy, helping kids manage stress and focus better in school.

After a particularly challenging day at school, a student might play a piece on the violin that mirrors their emotions. By expressing themselves through music, they can approach their studies with a clearer mind, free from accumulated stress.

After-School Music Lessons Provide a Symphony of Benefits

For parents contemplating the addition of after-school music lessons to their child’s routine, the benefits of music education are clear. From boosting cognitive functions to nurturing soft skills like patience and teamwork, music proves to be an invaluable tool in a child’s academic journey.

At Bach to Rock, we’re committed to fostering these skills and helping your child harmonize their academic and musical potential.