Why take music lessons?

Studies show that children who study a musical instrument are more likely to excel academically, work better in groups, have improved critical thinking skills, and cultivate greater self-knowledge, empathy, and outlets for expression.

Here's what the research shows:

Playing an instrument has lasting cognitive benefits.
Students who have been exposed to music education have increased verbal intelligence, math skills, and are more likely to learn a second or third language.
Students who participate in music programs show increased self-esteem by learning to persevere when faced with new challenges.
Playing music can help buffer stress and serve as a profound interior resource for children as they grow into adolescence and beyond.

Further reading:

“Making Music Learning Fun,” featuring Little Bird Music in the Tahoe Quarterly, Fall 2023.

“How Music Can Be Mental Health Care,” The New York Times, October 2023.

“The Transformative Power of Music in Mental Well-Being,” American Psychiatric Association, August 2023.

“Finding Meaning and Fulfillment Beyond the Job Market,” featuring Alice Cotter and the story of Little Bird Music on the Journey to June podcast, March 2023.

“Playing the piano boosts brain processing power and helps lift the blues,” Science Daily, December 2022.

“Why You Should Enroll Your Kids in Piano Lessons, According to Science,” Time Magazine, July 1, 2018.

“This is How Music Can Change Your Brain,” Time Magazine, December 16, 2014.

“Tuning Up Childhood: The Power of Playing Music in the Lives of Kids,” Deseret News, September 5, 2014.

“Your Aging Brain Will Be in Better Shape If You’ve Taken Music Lessons,” National Geographic, January 3, 2014.

Good Music Brighter Children: Simple and Practical Ideas to Help Transform Your Child’s Life through the Power of Music by Sharlene Habermeyer, 2014.

“Middle-Aged Music Man,” The New York Times, June 15, 2013.