The benefits of music at a young age

Graci playing guitar at age 5 with a family friend
and recording artist Jeremy Rizer

Randi at her piano lesson.

Music is something we love in our house. My oldest daughter Randi, who is 13 years old, has been playing piano for the past four years and my youngest daughter Graci, who just turned 12 years old, has taken guitar lessons in the past and recently started voice lessons.

I sit in on the lessons and listen and it is truly amazing to see how professor Donovick works with Randi. She can read music, but also plays by ear.

I am amazed when they start playing songs at how fast she picks it up.We are so blessed to have instructors who are truly gifted in what they teach. Randi’s piano teacher is Jeff Donovick, a music professor at St. Petersburg College. Randi has been taking lessons for a little over a year and he is a phenomenal teacher and knows exactly what teaching method works best for Randi. I took piano when I was younger and stayed with it for a few years and never really excelled at it; Randi, on the other hand, is blessed with a musical talent and a teacher who is bringing that talent out.  

I know studies have shown starting kids in musical training when they are young not only benefits them musically, but it also helps develop their cognitive skills and do better at school in subjects such as math. I was reading on the website of the National Association of Music Merchants about a study done by the College Entrance Examination Board that found students involved in public school music programs scored 107 points higher on the SATs than students with no participation.

My girls haven’t taken the SATs yet, but I can tell you they do well in school.

Playing an instrument also helps with confidence building. I can see that in both of my daughters. Randi’s teacher has given her not only confidence in playing the piano, but in singing. He heard her sing while playing and she has a beautiful voice and now she sings while playing some of her songs.

Graci singing a few years ago
with her guitar teacher
Charlie Coffman.

Graci did take guitar a few years ago, but decided she like singing more. Taking guitar was good, because she learned how to read music and her teacher had her do a few recitals playing in front of crowds, which helped build her confidence and not be afraid to get up in front of people. Since she started out when she was young, she wasn’t as nervous as an older person getting up in front of people. 

Graci singing the National
Anthem at the 
Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast

A few months ago, she started voice lessons with a wonderful teacher, Lee Tong. Tong is a professional opera singer and soloist in her church. After just a few months of lessons, Graci’s voice has really developed and sounds beautiful. Tong is a great teacher for Graci because she knows how to bring the best out of her and Graci enjoys practicing something that sometimes can be hard to get kids to do. Not only has her confidence in singing increased, but she’s reading music more and singing has helped her with her poise when speaking in front of large crowds.

Both my kids take private lessons because their schools haven’t had piano or voice, but I do know there are schools that offer these classes. Most middle schools and high schools offer band and chorus to students. If your child has the chance to play an instrument, I encourage them to do so. Even elementary school sometimes offer students lessons on playing the recorder. The benefits of learning at a young age is such a wonderful gift and will last throughout their life.