“To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable,” declared Ludwig van Beethoven, world-renowned piano virtuoso. In today’s world, the next Beethoven could be out there waiting for an opportunity to hone his or her skills by studying an instrument at an early age. Playing an instrument can have many different benefits on a musician throughout life including enhanced brain development and the ability to form stronger relationships and collaboration skills.

In a 2012 article in The New York Times, Dr. Teresa Lesiuk, an assistant professor of music therapy at the University of Miami discussed her research on how music affects workplace performance. “In one study involving information technology specialists, she found that those who listened to music completed their tasks more quickly and came up with better ideas than those who didn’t, because the music improved their mood” (Padnani 7).  This evidence suggests that students who study music will be happier employees and more prepared for the demands of the 21st-century workforce.

Some might argue that American education should focus on core subjects, such as Math, Science, and English. However, studies prove that music and arts programs should be an option for all students who want the experience. It has been confirmed that people who study and play music do better in school and their daily lives. Musicians have stronger bonds with one another and build community within a music program. Music studies and programs are essential to human development and must be offered at every level.

Furthermore, in a 2016 article written for the Peterson Family Foundation, Erika Montgomery asserts, “Playing an instrument requires the brain to work at advanced speeds. Reading music is converted in the brain to the physical motion of playing the instrument” (Montgomery 1). As a musician, I’m able to read and interpret music at a more advanced level because of my ability to process notes and rhythms at a quick speed due to my enhanced brain development. This has enhanced my academic success by helping me become an attentive and detail-oriented learner.

Also, musicians grow and build on their problem-solving skills; they will be able to come up with appropriate solutions more rapidly. Subsequently, finding quick alternative solutions to problems is a skill that will benefit all musicians in the future.

Playing an instrument has a variety of benefits for young children, not only in the present but also lasting impacts in the future. Young musicians should be given the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument and develop a lifelong passion for music. Besides contributing to the wealth of music in the world, musicians benefit academically as well as emotionally. 

Works Cited

Montgomery, Erika. “10 Benefits of Children Learning a Musical Instrument.” Peterson Family Foundation, 25 Aug. 2016. petersonfamilyfoundation.org/music-therapy/10-benefits-children-learning-musical-instrument/. Accessed 28 Oct. 2020.

Padnani, Amisha. “The Power of Music, Tapped in a Cubicle.” New York Times [New York], New York ed., 12 Aug. 2012, sec. BU, pp. 7+. New York Times, www.nytimes.com/2012/08/12/jobs/how-music-can-improve-worker-productivity-workstation.html?searchResultPosition=1. Accessed 14 Dec. 2020.