Music is great but it needs to be something they enjoy and also although it’s not about you but it ‘could’ be if its after school lessons etc are you driving them around – do you need to juggle it with other children what are the costs etc? Some schools have in school programs which are great especially if their friends are doing the same instruments and they are proud to show their parents at music nights what they can do.

Not only is music good for brain development, it can have a calming restorative affect too.

Most definitely yes. It is invaluable for developing their brain, especially maths. Kids tend to do much better at school when they learn music as well.

I want my boy to have musical lessons as we have a keyboard but have not had the chance to look into pricing as yet.

I think music is a great way for kids to express themselves and learning through music is a great way to learn and develop their imagination and creative mind

Music is great for mathematics. I hope that my children will want to learn something musical (husband plays piano so that would be ideal!) and we will definitely be encouraging it as we believe that it does help.

Apparently music has some link to the mathematical brain. But only do it if child is interested and wants to do it otherwise you make it a very negative thing for them as they have to practice at home.

Music can help them with school work and helps their concentration. Many schools offer music lessons at school which can be less expensive than private lessons and might be a good way to start to see if your child enjoys it. Also you can often hire instruments which is a good idea a a try before you buy.

I recently read an article saying how music and “the arts” are good for developing children’s self confidence and awareness. Both my boys play musical instruments and love it

hi our daughter is nearly 8 and has struggled at learning, she is loves piano, and it really helps with her memory. She is now looking at maybe doing guitar. I say give it ago and see how they go.My daughter does say now and then she doesnt like it, but she still remembers her notes etc..without practising..good luck

I’m all for encouragement if they show an interest in it — it can be good for teaching time management skills and commitment, just like sport can. We have a very musical family on my side and I’m hoping that one or both of our Naughties have inherited the gene — they have pretty good rhythm being only 1 year old, they bop along to any music they hear in perfect time so hopefully it’s not just a fluke and a sign of things to come!

I didn’t have music lessons with an instrument apart from my voice and i did get taught to read music. I come from a family of musicians from way back who play for their’s and others enjoyment. My Dad played in a dance band, so musical feet too! My uncles and grandfather all played instruments and my eldest son wanted to play the piano accordion. He had lessons every week for several years and had the skills to play in the local orchestra and travel the country for competitions. He loved practising and playing until he met his first girlfriend . She thought the instrument was old fashioned and he stopped playing. I believe it gave him the skills to interact with all different people from all walks of life and helped him focus and read patterns etc. If your child wants to learn music and you can assist i would say go for it. Not everything centres on school work there is the joy of music to be considered even if it will not make the child an A+ student it will give enjoyment.

If the kids want to do it and you can afford it, go for it. My only advice would be not to force them to learn music if they don’t want to. All 3 of my children had private lessons and thoroughly enjoyed them because they wanted it, not because I wanted it for them. It does teach them about time management, practice etc.,

Our DD didn’t, I’m not sure how it would help with school work or life skills, although it couldn’t hurt.

If you have the time,
If you have the money,
If your child enjoys it,
Then yes it is fantastic for children to learn to play something.

I’ll be interested to read the answer to this one. I didn’t have music lessons as a kid & now wish I was able to play, whereas my Mum did & hated them…. perhaps it’s in the teaching and the choice.

Not sure it helped with school work but they love it and I have to say it is lovely to hear them play (well most of the time)

I had music lessons and some of my family and I were part of the town marching band. I couldn’t say if it actually helped me in my school work, that I was aware of, but I was an ok student (average 65%-80% in most tests).. I was once told learning music helped with maths skills, but I must have missed that boat…lol… just choose an instrument they are interested in, and look for a second hand one to start with, or see if the school hires instruments to students, there is nothing worse than paying $1000+ for something and then having to pressure your child to use it. And even better, find something you (or partner) would like to have a go at learning too and do it together…. practice time is so much more fun with someone else joining in.

Depends if the child actually wants lessons, I was made to… Hated it! Even though I liked playing I just wasn’t into being forced to do something!

My daughter learnt the piano, I’m not sure that it helped her with schoolwork, but it gave her a way of having time out and stress relief when she was studying for exams