Studies have shown time and again that an education in the arts provides numerous benefits in the development of a child’s mind. Marked increases in language comprehension and data retention are just a couple of these bonuses as well as increased ability to communicate with and understand unfamiliar cultures.
It is unclear whether or not a formal education in the arts actually makes your child smarter but what is clear is that students who engage in this type of extracurricular study test higher, show higher levels of self-esteem and are more comfortable in social situations which makes them more likely to succeed later in life. With the establishment of the positives associated with supplemental arts studies, the issue at hand is how to be most effective.
Several things pop to mind when considering new lessons for your children. A few of the most obvious are: cost, convenience and consistency. As you will see below all three all easily addressed by employing reputable online resources; sites like TakeLessons are changing the way you find instructors.
Cost
Perhaps the most common facts that prevent parents from enrolling their children in arts education are the cost. Studio and specialized schools can be expensive and also generally require up front payment. This can be difficult especially if your child is unsure of which type of lesson they are interested in.
Choosing the proper instructor that can provide individualized attention often on a monthly basis potentially saves a large amount of nonrefundable tuition while providing a higher quality experience for your child.
Convenience
Utilizing the resources referenced above has another huge benefit for the already time challenged parent. A simple search can help you find not only the closest instructor to you but can also identify optional in home lessons. No need to drop everything and travel all the way across town (or to the next one) at lesson time. The lessons can come to you, where your child is most comfortable.
An added bonus is that the decreased amount of stress involved assists in the learning process and increases enjoyment which increases a student’s enthusiasm. Enjoyment is a key factor in the likelihood of a student continuing to pursue their lessons and perhaps even turning a hobby into a passion.
Consistency
Every parent has experienced it. Your child is into one thing today and tomorrow off to something different. The good news is the resources are available to keep up with their constantly changing moods. Unlike with private schools specializing in one skill you can choose the lessons that appeal to you child today – again on a shorter term basis. You can pay monthly or quarterly or find a schedule that works for you. Then if their interests change you can change right a long with them finding the best instructors to suit their desires.
According to PBS.com, musical education in children has been shown to increase a large number of skills essential in development. Students who study music have better language comprehension, increasing not only English abilities but making learning a second language easier. They also showed an overall increase in IQ and stronger visualization to help resolve complex problems.
The evidence is there to support private arts education as a leg up towards an overall improved education. Plus it’s fun. Self expression is a very rewarding experience especially during the early years. It leads to better self understanding and general emotional wellness. Early training also provides a skill you can carry with you through life. There is almost no reason to put off starting today. With the resources available the most common excuses are a thing of the past. The opportunity is there to provide your child with a gift that will keep giving everyday of their lives.
Source: RichmondMusicLessons.com