Music: How important is it to
your child?

Some parents and educators may view music education in children as one of the "extra" things that are not really necessary, but good if you can get it. However, they could not be more wrong. Music is so important to young minds that it has been studied in depth by many doctors and scientists to see what the links are between music skills and math and other cognitive skills. Music is linked to self-esteem in children as well as discipline. A recent study by Dr. Frank R. Wilson, assistant professor of neurology at the University of California School of Medicine, shows that there is a triple benefit to music lessons for children. Wilson claims that that learning music helps in physical, mental and social growth skills for children.

Dr. Wilson is quoted as saying that his studies point to a correlation between music study and muscular development, physical coordination, a sense of timing, mental concentration, the ability to hold up under stress, memory skills, and vocal, visual and aural development. "The goals and methods used in music instruction can bring about a balanced, progressively refined development of the brain and neuromuscular system," says Dr. Wilson.