Some experts believe that it is necessary for children to attend musical classes to learn how to play a musical instrument. Although this activity has some drawbacks, including distraction from academic focus, I personally support the view, since playing musical instruments improves cognitive skills and helps relieve stress.
Firstly, taking up an instrument can bring various advantages, including improvements in cognitive skills such as attention and memory. During classes, students learn to be attentive not to miss or forget any notes, since even only one mistake can ruin the whole melody. This effort to perform the performance with cautiousness can definitely lead to better focus and memorization. For instance, research conducted by WHO reveals that students who took part in music classes tended to be better at memorizing and concentrating during a test. Therefore, many official figures in education encourage children to start playing a musical instrument.
Secondly, playing an instrument can help relieve stress. When someone plays an instrument, they usually concentrate on the melody, rhythm, and the movement of their hands, which shifts their attention away from everyday problems to something more enjoyable. This shift allows the mind to relax and enjoy the moment. To illustrate, individuals who attend musical classes are likely to have reduced levels of stress and to be calmer.
However, constantly focusing on an instrument can sometimes influence academic performance. Once students develop an interest in musical instruments, they tend to focus more on them instead of academic subjects, leading to lower grades and reduced study time. For example, in Uzbekistan, teachers often complain about students who focus heavily on music tend to have poorer academic performance at school and college. Thus, this influence might cause a belief that learning how to play musical instruments is highly disadvantageous.
In conclusion, I believe, like other educators, that children should be encouraged to attend musical classes to start learning instruments, as it has a crucial role in improving cognitive abilities and reducing stress levels. However, it is important to balance both academic and musical performance.