The big benefits of music lessons for kids

While music lessons will undoubtedly be fun for any kid who wants to learn, are they truly worth the time and expense beyond simply knowing how to play an instrument? Fortunately, the answer is 'yes'. There is a lot of research showing that the benefits of music lessons for kids extend far beyond the musical skill itself. So, if you are intrigued by Outschool music classes but are hesitating. Here's why you absolutely should take the plunge. 

1. Music lessons make your kid smarter

The effects of music lessons on children's intelligence have been studied since the 1980s, with study after study showing that learning music improves all kinds of intelligence. From fine motor skills to solving math problems, all kinds of abilities are improved in children who learn music. One study, however, went further than most and measured the IQs of kids who took music lessons compared to those who did not. The results were impressive, with music learners consistently scoring higher on IQ tests. 

2. Music lessons enhance kids' verbal skills

Research has shown that kids who learn to play a musical instrument are better at reading and language skills more generally. Because music involves the study of pitch and tone, kids who study music are better at phonemic awareness, which is necessary for both reading and language learning. But perhaps the most interesting study on the subject, performed at Harvard, found that children who learned to play a musical instrument had a better vocabulary than those who did not.

3. Music lessons enhance memory

A study published in Frontiers of Neuroscience showed that musically trained children had 'better performance on memory tasks' and had better attention. Interestingly, the study showed that musically trained kids developed an especially good visual memory. Their ability to remember things they had read was enhanced by music. So, learning music is great news for kids who will need to remember things they have read.

4. Taking music lessons improves test performance

It's no wonder, given all these benefits, that kids who learn a musical instrument consistently score higher on standardized school tests. A study published in the Journal of Research in Music Education showed that kids who participated in school music programs scored higher on standardized math and English tests. This benefit applies to both elementary and middle school kids. This is great news for homeschooling parents, too, since music doesn't have to be learned in a school setting.  

5. Music lessons may help children with special needs

There are many well-researched examples of the positive effects of music on people with cognitive challenges and neurodiversity. From seniors with dementia to children with learning difficulties, all age groups have been shown to benefit from music. 

Singing lessons in particular, have been linked to improving cognitive function and well-being for people with special cognitive needs. One study showed that regular music lessons led to 'significant improvements in phonological skills and spelling standard scores in children showing a strong risk of dyslexia.' 

What is the ideal way to learn music?

Private music lessons remain the most popular form of learning music, preferred by students and parents alike. The personalized attention the student receives from the teacher is crucial to music learning. Interestingly, though, a study published in Psychology of Music found that 'having several teachers encouraged students to become more responsible for their own learning.' 

So, while many parents aspire to one-on-one tuition with the same teacher over a period of years as the most effective format of music education, it isn't necessarily the case.

It's also not true that online music learning is inferior to in-person learning. While all kids are different and will have individual needs, online learning has been shown to work. 

Research on the subject of online music learning is still young, but a recent study of music learning during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the many benefits of online music learning, including 'accessibility and flexibility of courses, portability, and receptivity, with students having the opportunity to access courses anytime and anywhere and reduce travel, accommodation, and study costs.' 

How can parents make music education more attainable?

In-person music lessons are not accessible to everyone. Not only does taking your kid to music lessons increase the burden on your already busy schedule, but there may not even be that many music lesson options where you live. 

Outschool music lessons are a great solution for homeschooling parents all over the country. They are convenient and affordable, and there is a wide range of options. From traditional instruments such as the piano and the violin to ukulele and drum practice, your child can choose the instrument they naturally gravitate toward. And with both one-on-one and group lessons available, you can tailor your kid's music lessons with Outschool to their personality and learning style. 

Check out this real-life example of how Outschool’s virtual music lessons helped Maria thrive and even win music competitions. Or hear this Outschool music teacher explain how online lessons actually work. 

Find the perfect virtual music lessons for your kid. Get started. 

Anna CottrellAnna Cottrell is a freelance writer and editor with a background in higher education. She has taught English and is the author of a book about 1930s literature and culture.