Sure, everyone loves music. We’re on our way to school: our earphones are in. We’re on the road: the radio is on. We’re in the shower: we sing like Beyoncé, leaving the judgment of our performances to the shampoo bottles. Whether its rock ’n’ roll, classical music, hip hop or whatever kind of tune, there is something to love and adore for everybody. And I’m pretty sure that we all can agree that life without music would be simply unimaginable.

However, have you ever thought about musical education? Did you know that there are amazing benefits attached to musical education in early years? Attending music classes, learning to play an instrument or being part in a choir can help children (and later, adults just as we are) shine and perform way better beyond the basic skills and abilities than students of the same age without musical education.

Develop your language skills

Learning a second language is tough. What would you do if there was a way to make it easier to learn a foreign language? Take that opportunity! Musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known also to be involved with processing language. Music education thus has an important effect on language development, as it can actually wire the brain’s circuits in specific ways. Isn’t that cool?

Get smarter

Studies found out that regular voice and musical instruments lessons in childhood have an incredible effect on your IQ by increasing it. Also, formal training in music will improve your cognitive strengths such as verbal recall proficiency. Finally, the creative and joyful environment of music will upturn your motivation and improve your performance in class. Isn’t that something we dream of? So if you’re about to stop those guitar lessons you think to not have time for, don’t! Your GPA will thank you.

Boost your brainpower

Often you hear people say that musicians are more intelligent than non-musicians. Maybe that’s not entirely true; but what is true is that the brain of a musician works differently than that of a non-musician. Neuroscience research discovered larger growth of neural activity when you’re playing an instrument or singing, as you have to use more of your brain. It’s incredible what those piano lessons you took in the past can do, isn’t it?

More than just music

And then there is so much more: There is a link between music and special intelligence, which means that you get better at problem solving. Also, continuing a formal musical education over several years will teach you how to be disciplined, how to manage performance and will give you the opportunity to be part of the music world. And finally, working with music will definitely make anybody a happier and more skilled person. Being able how to play an instrument or how to sing is valuable on its own merit. And it’s fun!

Be grateful to your parents and teachers who pushed you towards a formal musical education and be proud of you if you made it through those lessons. It’s hard work that requires determination and disciplines, but it rewards in the end. I’m definitely grateful!