10 Reasons Children Should Learn to Play an Instrument

Karabo Molokomme • January 5, 2024

A young boy is playing a guitar on a red background.

Why Learning an Instrument Is Beneficial for Children

Listening to your child learning to play an instrument can be challenging. Nobody handles the same key being played repeatedly well. And if you think the piano is bad, try listening to a child who is learning to play the drums, a trumpet, or the violin! But wait, before you pull the plug on lessons, you need to know how much benefit there is for your child in learning a musical instrument. We have outlined 10 benefits below:

1. It’s Fun

Music is and should be fun. Sure, while your child is learning a new instrument it may be a little frustrating (for them and for you), but there will come a point where the penny will drop, and the instrument will serve its purpose. Being able to play songs that your child loves will be a huge personal achievement for them and the more they play, the better they will be and ultimately the more fun music will become.

2. Improved Coordination

There are hundreds of toys on the market aimed at improving your child’s motor skills and coordination, but before you drop some significant money on a short-term toy, think about a long-term instrument. A study conducted in the United States proves that there is a big difference in fine motor skills and coordination development between a child that plays an instrument and one that does not. This is because an instrument forces a child to use their hands intentionally and at specific moments to get results.

3. Reduced Anxiety and Depression

There are many reasons why learning to play a musical instrument helps anxiety and depression. Besides the fact that playing an instrument is one of the purest forms of self-expression, it also ensures that a person who needs time for themselves is spending time with themselves as they master their instrument. Added to that, mastering an instrument brings a person a sense of self achievement and increased mood. All of that, combined with the actual soothing or uplifting sounds of music, means that anxiety and depression are reduced.

4. Creates Responsibility

Every instrument needs to be cared for. Guitars and pianos need to be tuned, drums need to be reskinned and maintained and flutes need to be cleaned with a rod and cloth. Having your child take care of the instrument they are learning to play and having them also stick to practice schedules means they are learning responsibility.

5. Exposes Children to New Cultures

We all know that music plays a huge role in culture and history. It not only reflects different eras of time, but it has also been instrumental in implementing significant social and political change. Understanding different music, and its purpose, means exposure to different genres and instruments. For instance, get your child to explore the guitar and then expose them to the sitar from India.

6. Mathematics Skills

Playing a musical instrument holds parallels with critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are the cornerstones of mathematics. When learning an instrument, children will have to count and measure scales, all of which requires numbers. And when children learn rhythm, they are learning ratios, fractions, and proportions. Instruments are a great way for children to learn Maths in a creative way.

7. Increases Memory

When learning a musical instrument, children need to memorize sheet music and finger placement. They need to also remember cues and arrangements. It is proven that children who play a musical instrument have increased brain function, better focus, and therefore increased memory.

8. Improves Listening Skills

Children who play a musical instrument need to listen to a variety of things, including rhythm, pitch, and speed. And they also need to listen to what other people are playing and, of course, instructions from the conductor or teacher.

9. Improves Social Skills

Musical instruments are often played in a group, such as in a band, a production, or in an orchestra. This requires the musician to work “harmoniously” (see what we did there?) with other musicians to achieve the desired outcome… harmony! It is a proven fact that children who take part in music, develop higher levels of social cohesion.

10. Perseverance

Learning an instrument can be challenging and your child’s music teacher should outline both short-term and long-term goals to monitor milestones. Achieving these milestones are both rewarding and encouraging for your child and these things drive perseverance – a wonderful trait and skill to have.

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Teacher Spotlight: Mr Chris Herbst Afrikaans Teacher at Crawford International Sandton

April 25, 2025

A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK

March 28, 2025

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.