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Music is a language. Like any other language, the young mind can acquire it. While learning any language is beneficial, there are distinct advantages to early music training. Music promotes cognitive development. Neurological research in the area of brain development demonstrates the far-reaching beneficial effect of music introduced early in life. The connections among the brains' billions of neurons are maintained, strengthened and extended by use in early childhood. Music is processed in both the right and left hemispheres of the brain and brings about the use of higher brain functions. In particular, music training develops the brain areas involved in language learning, reading and abstract thought and reasoning. Studies have shown that such brain development creates advantages in cognition for many years. There is a plethora of other reasons to learn music.
Learning a musical instrument requires individual effort and discipline
(not to mention use of fine and gross motor skills). Learning to play in
an ensemble develops teamwork. Moreover, learning to sing, write songs,
or play a musical instrument can give a child a sense of accomplishment
and serve as a productive outlet for self-expression. And, of course, music
is just plain fun.
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