Some parents may eventually ask the question “Why am I investing my time, and my child’s time, into this? Is it really worth it?” I know the first time a parent asked me that question, I was almost too stunned to speak. Those who grew up with a musical education know that music education is, in short, worth it. I don’t remember exactly what I said, but that conversation led me to gather my thoughts for the next time this would happen. As each minute of the lesson is valuable, I found my favorite approach was to write up a document that I could email to the parents so they could read it on their own time (most importantly this does not take up any valuable lesson time).

Below is a non-exhaustive list of wonderful articles, studies and presentations on the benefits music education can have.

• Your brain on music | Alan Harvey | TEDxPerth
• Tuning In: Six Benefits of Music Education for Kids Posted By Jenny Silverstone
• The Benefits of Music Education by Laura Lewis Brown
• Relating Language and Music Skills in Young Children: A First Approach to Systemize and Compare Distinct Competencies on Different Levels by Caroline Cohrdes,* Lorenz Grolig, and Sascha Schroeder

In addition to this, let your students and parents know that you have a plan for their musical education journey. For tips and ideas, explore our blog posts about Success through Goal Setting and 10 Thoughts Regarding Organizing Studio Solo Recitals.