We often get asked by parents inquiring about guitar lessons in NYC what the benefits are for their children. Whilst there have been countless studies about the benefits of learning a musical instrument on the brain we’ve decided to compile a list of some of the benefits specifically pertaining to learning the guitar.
1. It Improves Memory, Intelligence and Behavior
A recent study by the Institute of Education, University of London suggests that learning to play the guitar enlarges the left side of the brain. This leads musically-trained students to remember almost a fifth more information than their counterparts who did not take guitar or other musical instrument lessons. When taking guitar lessons the regions of the brain that control hearing and memory and the part that controls the hands, all become more active. This leads to growth and a positive change in the structure of the brain. It was also discovered that students who took guitar lessons increased their IQ by seven points as opposed to students who took say drama classes which resulted in only a four point increase. For those students who took small group guitar lessons researchers saw a marked improvement in their behavior due to the trust, respect and compromise that is required between the students.
2. It Teaches You Discipline
Whilst many kids these days struggle with homework and other extra-curricular activities, regular guitar practice of between 20-30 minutes per day has been shown to improve drive and discipline not usually found in other children who do not participate in activities that involve such dedication and perseverance. Over time this new found self-discipline can then be applied to other areas of the students’ life resulting in better time management skills and planning and increasing their the ability to follow through with tasks and/or new activities rather than giving up quickly.
3. It Increases your Self Esteem and Confidence
A study at McGill University found that students who regularly took guitar lessons developed increased self-esteem compared to those who did not study music. As a student begins to coordinate their playing and improve their concentration, the student begins to experience confidence in their ability to handle complex tasks. In addition to this students who were given small goals and tasks to complete by a set date also saw an increased sense of achievement resulting in a boost to their self-esteem and confidence. With public speaking second only to people’s fear of death those students who were able to overcome their fear of performing in front of an audience saw marked improvement in their confidence levels.
4. Get Better Grades and Test Scores
One study has shown that middle and high school students who took guitar lessons far out performed their peers who did not study guitar or other musical instruments in standardized general education tests. Physician and biologist Lewis Thomas studied the undergraduate majors of medical school applicants and found that 66% of music majors who applied to medical school were admitted, the highest percentage of any group. There has long been a definite relationship between music and math with research suggesting that musicians process music in the same cortical regions that adolescents process algebra resulting in higher scores in math exams.
5. It Enhances Your Creativity and Self Expression
Playing the guitar can help you to relax and unwind from a stressful day. As you progress with learning to play the guitar, you will develop the ability to accurately express yourself and release your emotions through playing, which can be very therapeutic. In addition to this creating your own music through improvisation or songwriting makes great use of your creativity especially if you are collaborating with a group of other musicians. This can be applied to many other areas of the students life including story telling and conversation. An impromptu guitar session at a party is a great way to showcase your talents and creativity whilst bringing together a group of people. The only catch being you can expect to receive a lot of requests for songs so make sure you are well versed in your repertoire from continued guitar lessons.