Piano lessons can be beneficial in a multitude of areas, from strengthening hand muscles to reducing stress. For children, playing the piano can also have a positive impact on cognitive function. If you are trying to determine what activity to sign your child up for, consider the following benefits piano lessons can have on the developing brain.

What Are the Benefits of Playing the Piano?

1. Helps Develop Nerve Cells in the Brain

Young children are still developing important areas of their cognitive function. Taking music lessons like piano helps develop the nerve cells in the brain. This process, known as neuroplasticity, allows new neurons to form by stimulating the brain to prepare it for other forms of communication.

2. Boosts the Mind-Body Connection 

Learning how to play the piano requires you to use both hands while reading and processing the music you are playing. Performing these actions together has been shown to bolster the mind and body connection. Your brain processes the sound, and you build strength in the nondominant hand. As your child practices, they will improve their coordination skills and their ability to process stimuli.

3. Improved Academic Skills

Piano lessons have also been shown to help your child do better at school, particularly in math and language comprehension. Playing the piano exercises your physical and mental memory abilities, which enables children to retain the math and language skills they learn. Because piano players learn to discern between different musical pitches, they will also be able to identify inflections in spoken words.

4. Encourages Creativity

Playing a musical instrument is another form of art that allows your child to express themselves creatively. By learning how to read and play notes, they will be able to display the music that interests and impacts them, offering another outlet to showcase their personality.

If you want to help your child develop their cognitive abilities, talk with the professionals at European Piano School in Anchorage, AK. For more than 38 years, the lead instructor has been providing piano lessons for students ranging from beginners to advanced. To learn more about how music can further expand your child’s potential, visit them online or call (907) 360-2915.