Dr. Kadiatu-Kanneh Mason, author of the acclaimed memoir House of Music, reflects on her life as a mother to seven classically trained children, saying, “I didn’t expect all my children to become musicians, that wasn’t the point. It’s bigger than that. It’s about confidence, about being able to achieve across subjects. If you have strong music in school, you also have children who believe in themselves and believe in each other.”
This profound statement highlights something incredibly important about music education—its far-reaching benefits go beyond the notes and rhythms. Music fosters confidence, perseverance, and a mindset that believes in learning and achieving across disciplines.
If I could, I’d place her quote on billboards everywhere, emphasizing the invaluable role music plays in shaping well-rounded, successful children. Music lessons are not just an extracurricular activity—they are an essential part of holistic education, especially in a homeschool environment.
Why Music Lessons Are Essential for Homeschooling
As a homeschooling parent, you likely juggle numerous responsibilities, from lesson planning to day-to-day activities. Adding music lessons to the mix may feel overwhelming at first. You might think, “How can I possibly fit this in?” The truth is, integrating music into your homeschool routine doesn’t have to be an added burden. Instead, it can enhance your child’s educational experience and create a more balanced, enjoyable learning environment.
In fact, research shows that learning music offers a wide range of cognitive, emotional, and social benefits. Neuroscientist and musician Alan Harvey states, “Research shows that at least some musical education has a positive impact on social and cognitive development. And these effects are long-lasting – better hearing, better motor skills, improved memory, better verbal and literacy skills.”
Music education supports brain development and cognitive function, providing a foundation that aids in everything from language acquisition to problem-solving skills. By incorporating music lessons into your homeschool routine, you help your child build essential skills that will serve them in all aspects of life.
The Benefits of Music Education for Homeschooling Families
Music education is more than just playing an instrument or singing a song. The benefits are profound and wide-ranging, touching various aspects of your child’s growth:
- Improved Cognitive Skills: Studies have shown that learning music can enhance brain function, especially in areas like memory, attention, and problem-solving. Children who study music often perform better academically, particularly in subjects like math and language arts, because music helps develop critical thinking and pattern recognition skills.
- Enhanced Social and Emotional Development: Music fosters teamwork, discipline, and emotional expression. Learning to play an instrument or sing in a group setting promotes collaboration and communication skills, helping children develop empathy and social awareness. Plus, the joy of making music together strengthens family bonds.
- Increased Self-Confidence: The process of learning an instrument can be challenging, but it also offers many moments of success. Whether it’s mastering a song or performing in front of others, these experiences help build confidence and resilience, teaching children the value of persistence and self-belief.
- Creativity and Self-Expression: Music is a powerful tool for creative expression. When children engage in music lessons, they have an opportunity to explore their own creativity, whether through composing, improvising, or interpreting different musical styles. These creative experiences help them develop an open mind and a love for exploration.
How to Introduce Music Lessons to Your Child
Now that you understand the tremendous benefits of music education, you might wonder how to begin. Introducing music lessons doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can be a fun and engaging process for both you and your child.
Start by sitting down with your child and exploring the My Music Workshop website together. Use this time to bond, discuss their interests, and introduce them to the various musical instruments available in the program. The wide variety of options—such as ukulele, piano, drums, and voice—gives you and your child the opportunity to explore and discover which instrument resonates most with them.
As you explore, ask yourself these questions:
- What sparks their curiosity? Does their face light up when they hear a particular instrument or type of music?
- What makes them laugh or smile? Sometimes, children are naturally drawn to instruments that make them feel joyful or excited.
- Which instrument holds their attention the longest? Pay attention to where their focus lingers as they explore different instruments.
By tuning into these subtle cues, you’ll have a clearer sense of which instrument is best for your child. And remember, My Music Workshop offers a variety of instruments, so they can always explore others down the road if they change their mind.
One unique feature of My Music Workshop is the virtual music store, where children can use points earned through lessons to “purchase” new instruments. This gamified element adds a fun, interactive twist to music education, motivating children to keep learning and exploring new musical instruments.
How to Integrate Music Lessons Into Your Homeschool Routine
As with any new activity, it’s important to introduce music lessons in a way that doesn’t overwhelm your child or disrupt your daily routine. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and find a time that works for your family.
Here are some tips to help you integrate music into your homeschool routine:
- Start Small: Don’t feel pressured to dedicate hours each day to music lessons. Instead, start with just 10 minutes per day. This small, manageable time commitment allows your child to develop a routine without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re new to homeschooling, this is an excellent way to ease into incorporating music into your day.
- Use Music as a Brain Warm-Up: If your child is particularly new to music lessons, consider using them as a way to get their brain ready for the day. Music can stimulate cognitive function, helping your child focus and engage more easily in other subjects. Starting your day with music can set a positive tone for the rest of their lessons.
- End the Day with Music: Alternatively, you can use music as a reward or a way to wind down after a full day of learning. If your child loves music, they may look forward to this time as a fun, relaxing part of their routine. It can also be a way to help them transition from academic subjects to free time.
- Create a Consistent Routine: Children thrive on consistency, so try to make music lessons a regular part of your homeschooling schedule. Whether it’s in the morning or afternoon, stick to a routine so your child knows when to expect their music lesson. Over time, this consistency will help develop a love for music and a sense of accomplishment.
The Key to Success: Keep Music Learning Fun
The secret to sustaining a long-term music routine is to keep things light, engaging, and—most importantly—fun! One of the most common mistakes parents make is turning music lessons into a chore or a source of stress. To avoid this, make sure your child enjoys the process of learning.
My Music Workshop was specifically designed to make music lessons interactive and enjoyable. With colorful visuals, gamified elements, and a variety of musical styles to explore, your child will be excited to dive into their lessons every day. Music should be something your child looks forward to, not something they dread.
Additional Resources to Explore with Your Child
To further enrich your child’s music education, here are some additional resources that you can explore together:
- George Meets the Orchestra: An engaging introduction to the orchestra for children
Watch now - Flash Mob – Gustav Holst – The Planets: Jupiter: A thrilling classical music performance
Watch now - Bluey Theme Song – Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: A fun, musical version of the Bluey theme
Watch now
These videos not only enhance your child’s appreciation for music but also provide opportunities to learn about musical instruments, different genres, and various composers.
Conclusion
Incorporating music lessons into your homeschool routine is an investment that will pay off in countless ways. From cognitive development to emotional growth, the benefits of music are undeniable. With programs like My Music Workshop, you can easily integrate music into your day without feeling overwhelmed. Start small, make it fun, and watch your child develop a lifelong love for music and learning.
