How Learning To Play A Musical Instrument Can Boost Your Child’s Self-Esteem

Kids’ self-esteem is a big deal here at Lukeosaurus and Me. We’re frequently discussing what it means for kids when they have low self-esteem and looking at fun, practical ways to help with their emotional development. With that in mind, if you’re looking for a fun and meaningful way to boost your child’s self-esteem, learning to play a musical instrument could just well be the answer.

Encouraging your child to learn a musical instrument might be one of the best gifts you can give. Playing an instrument doesn’t just teach kids about music, but it also builds emotional resilience, helps kids overcome challenges, and gives them the confidence that comes from mastering something new.

If you’re looking to nurture your child’s interests while also supporting their mental wellbeing, music could be the perfect fit. So let’s delve deeper into this topic and discuss how learning a musical instrument can boost your child’s self-esteem.

Why Self-Esteem Is So Important for Kids

Let’s start at the beginning – why is self-esteem so important for kids? Well, when it comes to a child’s emotional development, having low self-esteem at a young age can lead to difficulties in relationships, academic performance, and mental health, potentially carrying into adulthood. That’s not to say that all children with self-esteem issues will carry their personal beliefs into adulthood with them, but encouraging screen-free confidence-building activities, like learning to play a musical instrument, can certainly help them to overcome their difficulties.

Children with healthy self-esteem are more likely to:

• Take on new challenges
  
• Form positive relationships
  
• Feel proud of their achievements
  
• Cope with setbacks and disappointment
  
• Trust in their own abilities
  

On the other hand, children with low self-esteem may feel anxious, give up easily, or avoid trying new things for fear of failure.

That’s why finding activities that naturally build confidence – like learning an instrument – is so valuable.

How Learning a Musical Instrument Builds Self-Esteem

It’s all well and good for me to tell you that learning a musical instrument is great for your child’s emotional development, but you’re probably wondering WHY it’s so beneficial! 

There are several ways in which music and child development go hand in hand, and when it comes to self-esteem activities for children, learning to play a musical instrument can have a monumental impact.

Learning How To Play A Musical Instrument Teaches Resilience and Perseverance

Just like most things in life, learning an instrument is rarely easy in the beginning. There are notes to learn, techniques to master, and a whole new language of music to understand. It takes time and patience, which is exactly why it’s so good for your child’s personal development.

Each hurdle your child overcomes teaches them an important lesson: that hard work pays off. The sense of achievement they feel when they finally get a song right can do wonders for their self-belief.

It Gives Them a Sense of Progress

Whether it’s learning a new chord, mastering a rhythm, or performing in front of family, musical milestones provide concrete proof of progress. Children begin to associate effort with results, which builds confidence over time.

These little wins add up, and before long, your child begins to see themselves as capable and talented.

The Confidence-Boosting Power of Performing

Another huge milestone that can occur when delving into the topic of how learning a musical instrument can boost your child’s self-esteem is, of course, performance. After they have mastered the basic skills needed and started to gain confidence, they may find themselves being asked to perform to an audience.

Public performance might sound scary, especially for children with low self-esteem, but for many children, it can be a transformative experience. Performing in front of others teaches:

• Courage – facing fears and stepping outside of comfort zones
  
• Preparation – practicing and working toward a goal
  
• Self-assurance – showing off skills and receiving positive feedback

Although scary at first, the absolute elation your child will feel after their first show will be unparalleled to anything they’ve felt before. As all their hard work and dedication comes together, and friends and family cheer and applaud them for their bravery and perseverance, children feel seen, valued, and celebrated. 

Whether it’s a concert in the school hall or simply putting on a show at home for friends and family, these moments can have a hugely positive impact on kids. 

Making Mistakes Builds Resilience, Too

The dreaded part of learning any new skill, or trying anything new at all, is making a mistake. Making a mistake can feel like the end of the world, especially if there’s someone else there to witness it – like a teacher or family member. However, another way that learning a musical instrument can boost your child’s self-esteem is by teaching them how to become more resilient. 

An important part of self-esteem is being able to bounce back from mistakes. In music, errors are part of the process, absolutely everyone hits a wrong note now and again.

One of the best mental health benefits of music for children is that it teaches kids that mistakes aren’t failures; they’re learning opportunities. By working through them, children build patience, perseverance, and emotional strength.

Music Helps with Emotional Expression

Of course, we can’t discuss how learning to play a musical instrument can boost your child’s self-esteem without talking about the benefits of music for kids.

We know that children often struggle to articulate big feelings, but music offers an excellent outlet. Playing an instrument can be a powerful gateway for children to express their feelings safely and appropriately. 

When it comes to self-esteem activities for children, music can help them to express themselves without needing to find the right words. This kind of creative self-expression is especially powerful for children who may feel anxious, shy, or overwhelmed in other areas of life.

A Safe and Supportive Learning Environment Matters

Discussing how learning a musical instrument can boost your child’s self-esteem is only part of the picture. To really benefit from the confidence-boosting power of music, your child needs a supportive atmosphere where they feel free to explore and make mistakes. You can help get the most out of the benefits of music for kids  by:

• Letting your child choose their instrument
  
• Encouraging regular practice without pressure
  
• Celebrating their efforts and progress, not just perfection
  
• Allowing them to take breaks or switch instruments if interest wanes

Remember, when it comes to the mental health benefits of music for children, the goal isn’t to raise a concert pianist – it’s to help your child feel good about themselves and enjoy learning something new.

Other Benefits of Learning an Instrument

There’s more to music and child development than self-esteem. While building self-esteem is one of the biggest benefits of music, it’s far from the only one. Music also helps children:

• Improve memory and concentration
  
• Strengthen coordination and motor skills
  
• Develop discipline and time management
  
• Enhance language and mathematical abilities
  
• Build friendships through shared musical experiences

Learning how to play a musical instrument can help to improve other areas of your child’s life as well. Remembering how to play chords and keeping the right rhythm aids memory and concentration. Friendships are formed through teamwork with other musicians. Fine motor skills and coordination are developed through practicing music, as well as discipline and time management skills. 

So, when it comes to music and child development, learning to play a musical instrument really is a win-win for their mental, emotional, and cognitive development.

How to Get Started with Music Lessons

There’s even more good news when discussing how learning a musical instrument can boost your child’s self-esteem – you don’t need to invest a fortune to introduce your child to music!

Here are a few simple ways for you and your child to get started on a musical journey:

• Explore free online tutorials on YouTube
  
• Try a free or low-cost local music group or school program
  
• Rent or borrow instruments before buying
  
• Start with beginner-friendly options like the ukulele, recorder, or keyboard
  

Final Thoughts On The Mental Health Benefits of Music for Children

If you’re looking for a way to support your child’s confidence and emotional well-being, music is a wonderful place to start. It offers challenges, achievements, and creative expression – all of which help children grow into more confident, capable, and happy individuals.

Now that you know how learning a musical instrument can boost your child’s self-esteem, why not give it a try?