Improvisation, or the ability to create music without preparation, is becoming increasingly popular in music today. This skill is not limited to musicians of a certain age group; children can benefit from improvisation as well. Here are some of the benefits that children can reap from improvisation in their music education:

Benefit #1: Self-Expression

Improvisation uses emotions and feelings to create a piece of music. Children who improvise can use their favorite instruments to convey their immediate emotions through the notes or song they are playing. This form of self-expression can also serve as a healthy outlet for children to express themselves while exploring their musical interests.

Benefit #2: Creativity

Children are naturally creative, and improvisation allows them to explore this creativity on a deeper level. As they experiment with different melodies, sounds, and rhythms, they are exercising their own creative control over what they want to play. Improvisation also introduces children to the world of music composition.

Benefit #3: Listening Skills

Improvising music helps children understand the ways in which music progresses. They learn to play with different dynamics, explore different ways to play notes, and listen for melodies that sound cohesive. Improvisation helps children understand how notes interact with each other, creating more well-rounded musicians. When the time comes to play more challenging pieces, children will have a solid foundation with their developed listening skills.

Benefit #4: Brain Development

Listening to scales and patterns is enjoyable for children, but improvisation allows them to exercise the creative areas of their brain. When children improvise, areas of the brain that help with self-expression, recounting memories, and storytelling are all active and put to use.

Benefit #5: Mental Health

Music is known to be calming and therapeutic, and this is true for children as well. Children who participate in improvisation exercises have seen a reduction of stress and anxiety through their efforts. Music has also been used to help children with autism spectrum disorders communicate and process their emotions.

At Echokids, we believe in the importance of childhood music education through private and group lessons. To learn more about our programs, click the link below.