How Playing the Violin Affects Your Child’s Health
If you’re thinking about starting classical violin lessons for your child, but you’re wondering if that’s the right choice, I’d love to share the many ways that learning the violin can benefit your child! A little-known fact is that classical violin lessons can help your child with their physical, mental, and social well-being.
Hi, I'm Melodie with the Violin Practice Partner, and I've been teaching violin for 25 years. It's my mission to help light the world through music by helping children learn to play the violin, while also gaining confidence, learning important life skills, and improving their academic achievement.
In my teaching, I use the Suzuki method. The founder, Dr. Suzuki, had a mantra for his students: “Only practice on the days that you eat.” Dr. Suzuki encouraged his students to stay on top of their practices, just like they stay on top of feeding their bodies. Practicing and learning the violin is a good way to stay healthy, in more ways than one:
- Mental health
Scientists and researchers have touted the benefits of music for mental health for many years. Studies have shown that classical music can lower stress, and can help seniors improve their cognition. Playing classical music can also give your immune system a boost.
- Physical
Learning the violin can have a positive impact on your child’s physical health. Classical violinists increase their muscular stamina by playing and are able to move mindfully without holding tension in their bodies. Violinists use many different movements as they are playing. They will stretch, stand, bend, rotate, and balance, all while playing. The violin is also great for hand-eye coordination.
- Development
Many children who begin learning the violin, especially using the Suzuki method, begin doing so before they even start school. As they develop their violin skills, they build their language, reading, and math skills, and their gross and fine motor skills also get a great boost.
- Social
Learning to play the violin can also improve your child’s social skills and abilities. They have the ability to connect with other students over their shared experiences and interests and will grow from regularly interacting with their teacher. Your relationship with your child can also be strengthened just by the time you will spend with them as they practice. Bonding over music is great for your relationship with your child.
Thank you for joining me today! I hope you were encouraged by all the ways learning to play classical violin can improve your child’s health.
Click here if you’d like a free guide on how to choose the right violin teacher for your child.
