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Musical instruments have a wide range of potential benefits for children. Whether it's through developing motor skills, increasing self-confidence, or introducing an outlet for creative expression, the introduction of music has a positive impact on children’s lives. Music is also beneficial to other areas of their development, such as language and social-emotional development.

For starters, the physical skills required for playing an instrument can help increase coordination and fine motor skills. According to Jeanne B. Funk, a professor of psychology at the University of Toledo, "Because motor skills involve more than one muscle group, playing a musical instrument is a complex task that requires the coordination of many muscle groups." Children who have difficulty training one hand and one foot to work together, can benefit from playing an instrument.

In addition to physical skills, music also supports language development. According to doctors from the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Utilizing music, children can label and learn necessary terms associated with musical instruments, and physical actions that lend themselves to language acquisition (such as tapping instruments in time to the music).” Learning through music also improves memorization skills.

Instrumental music also helps to build self-confidence. Child psychologist Michelle Newman, of Penn State University, explains that, “People play music as a form of self-expression. When children practice, I’ve seen their confidence skyrocket. In learning an instrument, children learn that their hard work and practice pay off. This reinforces tangible outcomes for effort.”

Finally, music can also serve as a creative outlet for kids. Brian Vangor, a professor at DePaul University in Chicago and head of the school’s music therapy department explains that “When we talk about creativity or creative process, neuroscience might point us to an area in the brain that gets excited or fired up for creative production. When kids make music and explore variations, rhythms, and spell out melodies with instrument, that area of the brain is activated and enhanced.”

In conclusion, incorporating a musical instrument into a child’s life can do wonders for their development. From improving physical strength, to increasing the creativity and self-confidence, the opportunities that music presents are limitless. Ultimately, music should be seen as an important part of any child’s development.