Fern Michonski / Fern’s Music
Pre-School Music Education Expert: The Children’s Advocate for Love and Kindness, Inspiring Creativity and Joy.
March 29, 2012—Should Children Play An Instrument?
I wear many hats. I’m a professional children’s entertainer, performing on stage with a 6’ tall costume character chipmunk named Charlie. I’m a musician who writes children’s songs, a preschool music and movement teacher, a private piano teacher and I’m a Mom. I’ve been asked many questions over the years about the varied occupations I have, but one question that is frequently asked of me is if I think a child should play an instrument. My answer, absolutely yes, if your child expresses an interest in doing so.
A quote from Family Circle Magazine states: “Kids who play an instrument for at least three years score better on verbal tests and visual reasoning than students with no formal music training. The longer a child takes lessons, the higher his scores may be. So encourage your tweens to stick with their hobbies even when they want to give up. It’s the key to success.” I agree and would add that playing a keyboard instrument helps with eye/hand coordination, reading and math skills. On top of all that, music is the “universal language.” It touches the hearts and souls of everyone, no matter where they live or what language they speak. This is why I enjoy teaching preschool music and movement so much. It is the beginning of getting children to love music. Once they love it, they will want to learn how to play it themselves.
However, I also firmly believe that learning how to play an instrument should be fun! I feel that every single music lesson should be filled with joy. I want my students to walk away from their lesson with a smile in their heart.
So, if you have a child in your house who asks if they can play an instrument, I would recommend you let them try. I do recommend beginning on a keyboard instrument. However, I also feel that one of the strongest indicators that a child will stick with their music lessons is if they are playing an instrument they like. That is very important. I personally recommend starting on a keyboard due to easy touch, visually seeing the octaves and learning the basics of music theory. Children can then add other instruments to their repertoire as they advance.
Give your child the gift of music. The returns will never end! 
