Music was a huge part of my mother's upbringing. Her parents' investment in piano lessons provided her with many valuable skills, as well as a source of income, for many years. At the tender age of three, I had begged endlessly for violin lessons.
With my first introduction to music coming in the form of Suzuki violin lessons, my mother decided to teach me piano. Even though I ended up with a string of less than qualified violin teachers and did not truly get on the right track with violin until I was 12, my piano instruction remained consistent, and I learned three important lessons from both instruments.
Discipline
There is no better way to learn time management skills, delve into the process of setting goals, and the importance of persevering through tough concepts in order to master skills than through the art of studying an instrument. Involvement in music offers a unique blend of challenges, helps you develop confidence, and teaches you how to overcome challenges individually.
Increased Academic Skills
Believe it or not, studying music specifically increases the neurological connections in your prefrontal cortex, which leads to increased cognitive abilities. In addition, music is unique in the fact that it engages ALL parts of your brain. No other art form engages all areas of your brain. Your higher level processing is working in conjunction with the auditory, visual, motor, and somatic areas of your brain.
Increased Levels of Happiness
Music, in one word, is therapeutic. For me, personally, the joy and fulfillment that reaching my goals in music brings me is irreplaceable and certainly not found in any other endeavor in life.
