We often think of music as just background noise or a form of entertainment, but for children, it can be much more. Music is a deeply enriching experience that nurtures both the mind and spirit – helping kids grow into confident and emotionally intelligent individuals. In a conversation with Minneapolis Lakes Lifestyle, Jon Iverson, the Director of Instrumental and Vocal Instruction at MacPhail Center for Music, shared how music education provides far reaching benefits that extend well beyond the notes on a page.
From the earliest exposure – clapping along to a song, playing with rhythm toys, or singing a lullaby – music engages children on a foundational level. According to Iverson, the cognitive benefits are significant. “Learning to read music is akin to learning to read a second language,” he explains. It builds abstract reasoning, strengthens problem-solving abilities, and enhances literacy and math skills. Music challenges the brain to think in complex, layered ways, offering the kind of mental workout that few other activities provide.
But cognitive growth is just one piece of the puzzle. Music also offers children a powerful outlet for emotional expression. “When we play music, inherent in that is some type of emotional expression,” Iverson says. “Our understanding of our own emotions and our ability to express them is an extraordinarily valuable life skill.” Music gives children a safe, creative space to explore their feelings, cope with stress, and develop emotional regulation. In supportive teaching environments like MacPhail’s, students are nurtured by patient instructors who help children push through frustration and find joy in progress.
That emotional growth often feeds directly into confidence and self-esteem. “The subtle feeling of knowing ‘I can do this’ – that sticks with kids,” Iverson shares. Performing a favorite song at home or participating in a recital can be transformative, not because the performance is perfect, but because the child owns the achievement. Even stage fright becomes an opportunity to learn skills like mindfulness, preparation, and perseverance.
Music also plays a major role in social development. In group classes or ensembles, children learn teamwork, cooperation, and leadership. “They need to know their own part, but also be a good teammate,” Iverson explains. “That sense of group membership is an important life skill.” Whether it’s playing in a small violin ensemble or collaborating in a classroom performance, music helps children understand how to contribute to a collective, listen to others, and build shared experiences.
Physically, music offers benefits that are often overlooked. Playing an instrument or singing requires refined motor coordination, stamina, and dexterity. Iverson describes musicians as “small muscle athletes,” a term that emphasizes the fine motor skills and physical endurance involved. These physical benefits enhance a child’s overall development and support other activities, from handwriting to sports.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of music education is how it sparks curiosity and active play. “Music provides an extraordinary playground for kids to let their curiosity run wild,” Iverson says. Whether a child is drawn to exploring rhythms, improvising melodies, or writing their own songs, music encourages creativity in ways that passive entertainment cannot. It is an act of creation – a space where children are free to imagine.
Beyond all these holistic benefits, Iverson makes a compelling case for music’s long-term value: it provides a competitive edge. “The Canadian Medical Association has long listed prior musical training as a desired trait for medical school applicants,” he notes. “Because they understand the transferable skills – discipline, emotional intelligence, problem-solving – that music cultivates.” While he acknowledges the importance of STEM education, he’s concerned that the arts are often left behind. “While STEM plays an important role in the education of our children, we can’t lose sight of the significant role music plays in creating well-rounded individuals. Music education isn’t just enrichment, it’s essential.”
For families interested in getting started, MacPhail offers age-appropriate music programs for all levels. Its early childhood development program, Sing Play Learn with MacPhail®, introduces music to children from infancy through age eight in engaging, parent-child group settings. As children grow, they can transition into beginner classes or private lessons tailored to their interests and developmental readiness. “We have a wide variety of teachers to meet each family’s needs,” Iverson says. “Whether the goal is casual exploration or serious study, we’re here to support that journey.”
Ultimately, Iverson wants families to remember that music is not only beneficial, it’s deeply enjoyable. “We’ve kind of lost the sense of doing something just for the enjoyment of it, not to master it,” he reflects. “But when a child discovers the joy of making music, just because they love it, that’s a powerful thing.”
Explore classes and opportunities by visiting macphail.org or call 612-321-0100. Fall registration is now open.
501 S 2nd St., Minneapolis