Does your child love singing, tinkering around on the piano or pounding on the drum? Have they asked you repeatedly to sign them up for lessons? If so, we’ve got the breakdown of costs and benefits of music lessons for kids.

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The average cost of private music lessons ranges from $15-$50 per half hour; it will vary depending on location and the expertise of teacher. Depending on the rate, private lessons cost parents $1,000 to $2,000 a year. This may make you wonder, are music lessons really worth it? Here are some short and long term benefits of music lessons to help you decide. 

Discipline

Learning to play beautiful music doesn’t happen overnight. All students must start from the beginning playing scales and mastering basic skills. In our society, instant gratification is the norm. Music teaches the value of patience and discipline because children must set aside time for practice and make it part of their routine in order to further their skills.

Work ethic

Music teaches children a good work ethic because they see the value of practice as they improve and reach new achievements. Students will learn how dedication creates good results, while failing to do all the necessary practice results in mediocre results. These lessons can carry into school studies and future careers. Here are some tips to help inspire your kid to practice their instrument without tears.

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Memory

Is your child always forgetting things? Music requires kids to practice memorization. Even if sheet music is used, students memorize how to play each note and the sheet music eventually becomes a guide. Students can use their developing memorization skills in a variety of ways in school and at home.

Math and language skills

Music helps develop math and language skills that give kids an edge in school and life. According to the National Association for Music Education, “Students who have early musical training will develop the areas of the brain related to language and reasoning. The left side of the brain is better developed with music.”

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Teamwork

Teamwork isn’t just for sports. Music students will have opportunities to participate in a band or orchestra. This provides kids experience working as part of a team and a sense of camaraderie. Teamwork helps kids develops social skills that they will use for a lifetime.

Confidence and social development

Kids will gain confidence as they begin to perform music for an audience. This helps kids learn to face their fears and builds self-esteem. As kids build up this confidence, they are more likely to boost their communication skills and have increased social development.