When my elder daughter mentioned that she wanted to learn to play the guitar at age 8 and join an all-girl rock band, my answer was “go for it”! Today in collaboration with Guitar Center, I want to share with you why learning to play an instrument can help your child in more ways than one.
This post is sponsored by Guitar Center but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Music has always been an integral part of my life. As a child, I learned to play the recorder (my only instrument) and would later sing in the church choir. My dad encouraged our love for music, and we would sing along to Bob Marley albums and Kenny Rogers.
When I had kids of my own one of the things I decided was that they each had to learn to play an instrument as well. When my eldest decided that she wanted to learn to play the guitar and join the all-girl rock band “Toy Sugar” in Brooklyn, we knew exactly where to go. Guitar Center!
Guitar Center has always been the place to go when you wanted to know more about guitars and what was recommended. The guys at the store were the best, and we purchased her very first Fender Guitar. When the bassist left the group, my daughter once again decided she wanted to become the bassist instead, and once again Guitar Center came to our rescue, and we purchased a Fender Bass Guitar this time. She still treasures each of them although she’s now an adult.
So much has changed since those days. I now have three other children who’re interested in learning to play musical instruments. Kyle is learning to play the guitar, Mikael is learning to play the keyboard, while my youngest, Madison, is learning to play the piano.
While my knowledge of Guitar Center was that they sold musical instruments, until recently, I had no idea that Guitar Center also offered music lessons, including guitar, bass, keyboards, and even vocals. And many of you may not know that either.
What makes Guitar Center stand out?
1. Their Curriculum
Guitar Center has created a custom curriculum that focuses on teaching theory through contemporary music. All of their curriculum programs are approved by the National Association for Music Education, the world’s largest arts education organization. They can also help tailor curriculum to your goals and interests with a database on thousands of songs to learn.
2. The Convenience
With over 200 locations nationally, brand-new facilities Guitar Center Lessons is a one-stop shop. From lessons to retail to instrument repairs to supplemental learning materials, Guitar Center can cover any aspiring student’s needs. Their program gives students the ability to continue learning on the go with online resources and the ability to schedule at any location.
3. Pro Instructors with a Passion for Music
All Guitar Center Lessons instructors are passionate, playing musicians who want to help you reach YOUR musical goals. Based on your needs and wants they’ll pair you with the instructor that is right for you. With weekly office hours to help supplement your education, their instructors are there to make sure you have everything you need to become the musician you want to be.
4. Contemporary Instrumentation
Did you know that they offer more than the violin? You can take any instrument, anywhere. They can make sure you have the musical foundation to achieve any level or expertise on any instrument. After all, they know that learning music can be so much more enjoyable when you’re playing what you love.
5. Their Achievement Program
They help students monitor their progress with a 6 tiered program that goes from Opening Act to Headliner in as much or as little time as you need.
So why should you encourage your kids to play a musical instrument?
1. BOOST THEIR CONFIDENCE & SELF ESTEEM
While your child’s first notes may not be that of Mozart, once they’ve started practicing and get better at what they do, you will see increased confidence and even a boost in their self-esteem, all because they’ve successfully mastered what they’re doing.
2. HELPS WITH SOCIAL SKILLS
If your child decides to join the school band or even learn to play an instrument as a group, it’s vital that he/she learn to play together. Group classes encourage teamwork as your child will need to interact and communicate with their classmates. They will also need to work towards a common goal, which is creating music.
3. AIDS WITH ACADEMICS & RETENTION
Did you know that music and math go hand in hand? When your child starts understanding scales and rhythms, they are actually learning how to divide and even recognize patterns. And when they start reciting music, they are beginning to use their short and even long-term memory.
4. HELPS WITH MOTOR SKILLS
While you may not have thought about it, but learning to play an instrument can help with your kids’ motor skills and even their hand and eye coordination. For example, learning to play the piano requires the simultaneous use of both hands, while reading music at the same time. This not only helps with their music but can also help with other hobbies as well.
5. FOSTERS CULTURAL AWARENESS
Different instruments have different cultural roots, for example, the violin originated in Italy, and your kids can be taught how music plays a role in their culture. Even by incorporating jazz into your child’s repertoire can be a learning experience about New Orleans where jazz originated. You don’t need to travel to learn about other cultures, music can familiarize your child in ways that you never thought about.
While we know that music education is an essential cornerstone to academic, social and cultural success, isn’t it enough to encourage your kids to play a musical instrument? And Guitar Center can help them on their way, with them being one of the largest independent music educators in the U.S.A.
Not only will your child get the lessons needed to start them on their way, but you can also get their musical instrument of choice as well. So visit your nearest Guitar Center store and see all that they have to offer.
