How music helps kids find groove
Pushy parents could blow it by forcing kids to play an instrument
We have all seen those talented kids on TV shows like SA’s Got Talent who, at six years old, can play the piano or guitar better than most adults. We often wonder when they were introduced to the instruments and how it is they got to play with such ease.
Experts actually recommend that your child play a musical instrument.
Someone who strongly agrees with this theory is Pietermaritzburg-based music teacher Moses Gopalan, who teaches music at Stonebridge Primary School. He is also the founder of the Tribe Music Academy, and has worked with many celebrated musicians.
He has been a music teacher for the past 13 years, and says he has witnessed the benefits of children learning a musical instrument first hand.
“I noticed through many years of teaching that kids
‘ ‘ Kids with lower grades in school excelled when it came to music
with lower grades in school excelled when it came to music and over time that excellence overflowed into their school work.
“I have also noticed that kids who are introverts and shy become bold and confident after playing their first song with a musical instrument.
“I also remember having a student who used to get epileptic attacks, but after a few lessons of their favourite instrument, the attacks became fewer and fewer, and eventually stopped happening.
“All this had led me to be a big believer in the power of music, as well as kids expressing themselves through a musical instrument. The benefits are immeasurable.”
Gopalan says that the best age for a child to start learning a musical instrument is six, and that the best instrument for a parent to start their child off with is the bass guitar.
“This is because it is very easy to play, as you mostly use three fingers at the beginning. It is also very affordable and easy to carry around. The keyboard is also a beautiful instrument to introduce to your child at a young age. It is relatively more challenging than a guitar because it has so many keys, but with proper lessons, your child should not have a problem coping at all.
“Drums are also a good instrument to introduce your child to. They are not easy to master, but with a good music teacher, your child should be tapping away in no time.”
Gopalan cautions against overbearing parents who may try to force their children to play an instrument.
“It’s important to spark a child’s interest, and not force them to play an instrument.
“Scientifically, they say that a child starts developing their personality at around seven years old, and why not root it in music and build their character in that regard? Personally, music saved me from drugs and gangsterism and helped me become a better person and even better community leader,” he adds.