When many parents consider music lessons for their child for the first time, they often think about getting their child private instrumental lessons on piano, guitar or violin. While these are lovely first instruments to begin a child’s musical journey they often come with challenges and costs that many families are not fully aware. Singing however is one of the most accessible instruments for young children and can set them up for a lifetime of musical enjoyment and participation. Here are four reasons why learning to sing is one of the best first instruments young children can learn.
Learning to Sing is Natural
Every person comes with a voice and for most young children singing and using their voice to create sounds is a natural part of their play and learning at school. When young children begin singing lessons they come to lesson already knowing how to use their instrument and this knowledge sets them up for a positive first experience with music. This positive first experience is critical in developing young children’s love of music and confidence. When young children feel that music learning is easy and accessible, they feel confident and thrive and learning to sing makes this an enjoyable journey for most young children.
Learning to Sing Builds Community and a Sense of Belonging
When young children learn to sing in a group environment from a young age they build positive social skills that include listening to and working with other people. Singing as a group has been shown to release chemicals in the brain that help people to feel happy, this happiness helps children to understand and fully appreciate themselves and others as members of the singing community. (Source). Singing with others also helps young children feel included and known for who they are and how they can positively contribute to the group, which can boost their self esteem and acceptance of themselves and others.
Learning to Sing Builds Musical and Language skills.
Just like other musical instrumental learners, singers who are learning in a high quality musical environment will learn all the same skills as those learning other instruments including note reading, rhythm awareness, technique, musical artistry and music theory skills. Alongside learning these skills singers also learn about language and how to convey meaning through words and music. Children who learn to sing from a young age have a larger range of vocabulary and are more confident giving speeches in the classroom.
Learning to Sing is May Cost Less Then Learning Another Instrument.
Unlike any other instrument singing does not require parents to invest in expensive instruments and is one of the most successful instrument to teach in a group environment, which means for parents the cost savings can run into the thousands just in the first 2 years of learning. The best thing is that learning to sing with a highly skilled singing teacher will provide children with the same educational benefits as learning any other instrument, so if a child wishes to learn a second instrument in the future they will learn at a much faster pace as they already possess the basic note reading, aural and musical skills needed to be successful on any instrument.
Are Singing Lessons For Your Child?
Many parent worry that their child may be too shy for singing lessons or that singing lessons are not the same as other musical instrumental lessons. We know that our singing lessons are different and they help build children’s confidence while at the same time developing their musical skills. Just check out 6 year old Hamish working on his vocal warmup using real music.
If you are interested in learning more about our group singing program Young Singers or would like to book a studio tour and complimentary first singing lesson for your child fill in the form below and we will be in contact with you with in the next 48 hours.
