Some things are simply better in twos—like peanut butter and jelly, mac and cheese, or a perfectly paired set of socks. The same holds true for musical instruments! Adding a second instrument to your child’s repertoire can open up a world of possibilities, enhancing their musical skills, creativity, and confidence.
So, if your young music lover is thriving with their instrument, it might be worth asking yourself: Should my child learn a second instrument? 🤔
Come along with us as we walk through the top benefits of learning more than one instrument.
1. Enhance Your Musical Skills & Knowledge
Want to supercharge your child’s musical abilities? A second instrument can do just that. Students who learn more than one instrument are able to understand the bigger picture of how a piece of music comes together, especially if they choose an instrument from a different instrument family. This experience builds a stronger musical foundation, reinforcing music theory concepts like scales, chords, and rhythm.
Bonus! Students who learn additional instruments also exhibit enhanced ability to identify tonal qualities and intervals, improving their ability to play by ear.
2. Boost Creativity & Versatility
New genres and repertoire, new roles in ensembles, and new possibilities for improvisation and experimentation—learning a second instrument allows your child to experience music from a different perspective and pushes them to think outside the box. They’ll flex new creative muscles and become a more versatile musician. Multi-instrumentalists make fantastic collaborators!
In addition, more time making music = less time scrolling on their smart phone or playing video games. Reduced screen time is a positive for many reasons, using their brain for creativity and self-expression being one of them.
3. Build Resilience & Confidence
Even more important than the length of each session is the frequency and consistency. Short, focused sessions can have a profound impact over time.
When learning a new instrument, your child will be faced with new challenges. Don’t worry, the frustration they feel in these moments is actually good for them! It’s something called frustration tolerance. While conquering a new piece or attempting to hit a tricky note on their secondary instrument, students will inevitably hit setbacks. In the end, the experience of having to repeatedly try, try again leaves them feeling more accomplished and confident.
4. Expand Social Opportunities
Double the instruments, double the fun! Kids and teens who play more than one instrument have more opportunities to meet and bond with music-loving peers. During a day and age when kids and teens are feeling more isolated and anxious than ever, more opportunities for them to be a part of a community where they belong is a certified good thing.
5. Unlock Career & Academic Advantages
As your child continues to grow as a musician, being a multi-instrumentalist sets them up to be in high demand in ensembles and take on leadership roles, such as a section leader or to mentor younger students. They’ll develop time management skills and discipline through managing multiple instruments, as well as improved problem-solving and adaptability from learning different techniques. Plus, it will help them stand out in college applications and open up new opportunities for music scholarships.
Your child is already thriving with one instrument; imagine what they could achieve with two.
From broadening their musical skills and knowledge to boosting their confidence, learning a second instrument is more than just music—it’s a gateway to continued personal and academic growth.
And at Merit School of Music in Chicago, we offer a vast array of instruments for all ages and experience levels. From violin to voice and piano to percussion, our experienced and supportive music teachers are here to support you.
