For the past week, we’ve been hosting this year’s WA Massed Choir Festival, an annual event where primary school students from around WA come together to showcase their impressive singing skills in a ‘massed choir’ on stage. Seeing the Hall abuzz with talented kids and listening to their beautiful singing voices got us thinking about how important music education is for children.

As well as being a fun extracurricular activity, learning music can help kids develop skills in a huge variety of areas. Many of these skills will be helpful throughout their lives, whether or not they choose to pursue music in adulthood. 

Keep reading to discover just a few of the reasons why music education is so important for kids! 

Source: West Australian Symphony Orchestra

Music helps improve their brain function. Studies have shown that music education can enhance brain function in children. Music can help kids improve their memory, concentration, language and math skills, and research shows that children who study music tend to perform better in standardised tests and achieve higher grades. 

Music helps develop their motor skills. Similar to sports, playing music requires children to use many different parts of their bodies (such as their eyes, ears and fingers), which helps them improve their coordination skills. 

Music teaches them social skills. Learning music in a group setting encourages children to relate to other kids and work as part of a team. Going to music classes or joining a band or choir is also a great way for kids to make friends.

Music lets them express themselves. Children need healthy ways to express their emotions. Playing, singing and writing music is a great way for kids to not only have fun and be creative but also to relieve stress. 

Music boosts their self-confidence. Even if they seem nervous at first, learning to sing or play an instrument allows children to recognise their own ability to grow and improve, which can have an incredible impact on their confidence and self-esteem. 

Looking for some family-friendly concerts? West Australian Symphony Orchestra have two brilliant family concerts coming up next year.

Leon and the Place Between | Sat 28 May 2022, 10am
Recommended for families with children aged 6-12.

WASO’s Fairytale Ball | Sat 1 Oct 2022, 10am
Recommended for families with children aged 3-11.

Subscriptions are on sale now and single tickets go on sale on Wednesday 13 October.