What Stays When Everything Goes

By Christy | The Practicing Pro 

www.scotiasuzuki.org

What if those music lessons you signed up for aren't just building musical skills — what if the benefits of music lessons go far deeper, building the character traits that your child needs for life?

I see you looking at that January budget, wondering what stays and what goes. I see you questioning whether those monthly music lessons are really "worth it" when there are so many other expenses pressing in. I get it!

Maybe the practice battles have been real lately. Maybe your little one's enthusiasm has cooled since September. Maybe you're exhausted from doing so MANY activities and wondering if this is the thing to let go.

Before you decide, let’s talk about something important — something Dr. Suzuki knew a long time ago.

It Was Never Just About the Music

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki said it beautifully: "Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens, noble human beings. If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart."

Beautiful music. Beautiful hearts.

That's what we're really building when we show up for practice each day, isn't it? When you signed up for music lessons, you weren't just buying a skill — you were investing in who your child is becoming.

The Benefits of Music Lessons: What Research Really Shows

When researchers asked over 2,300 parents what they noticed in their children taking music lessons, the results were incredible. This wasn't about creating concert pianists or earning scholarships. This was about character.

Here's what parents saw:

85% said their child could stick with difficult tasks longer. They didn't give up when homework got hard or when learning something new felt frustrating. Music had taught them that improvement takes time — and they could handle that journey!

83% noticed their child welcomed feedback better. Instead of melting down when corrected, these children actually learned to use criticism constructively. In our world of fragile egos, that's gold!

71% watched their kids develop better priorities, naturally limiting screen time because they had something more meaningful to focus on.

68% reported improved time management skills. Their children got better at finishing tasks and keeping track of what needed to be done.

These aren't just music skills. These are LIFE skills!

What Families Do When Money Gets Tight

Here's something fascinating that might surprise you.

During the 2009 recession, researchers studied how families adjusted their spending. They cut back on toys. They reduced childcare expenses. They even spent less on food.

But you know what they INCREASED spending on? Their children's extracurricular activities — including music lessons. Yes - that’s right! 

Why is this? Because parents understood that music lessons aren't entertainment expenses — they're character-building investments. While other purchases gave temporary satisfaction, music education was building the internal framework their children needed for life. Amazing!

Even now, 90% of parents still plan to enroll their children in extracurricular activities despite economic pressures. And 87% say these activities are important for their child's mental health, while 83% believe they develop skills that artificial intelligence simply can't compete with.

The world is changing fast, but the human skills music teaches — creativity, persistence, emotional regulation, discipline — these will ALWAYS matter. Actually, they matter more now than ever!

The Benefits You Might Have Forgotten

Remember when you first enrolled your child and learned about how music lessons improve brain development? That's still true — but here's what else the research shows:

Music lessons provide MORE developmental benefits than sports, theatre, or dance combined. The cognitive workout of reading music, coordinating physical movements, and listening simultaneously creates pathways that enhance everything from math skills to emotional intelligence.

Children who take music lessons show decreased anxiety and better emotional regulation. In our high-stress, screen-filled world, music provides a healthy outlet for feelings and a way to process emotions.

Music students develop better communication skills — not just through playing but through the discipline of practice and the patience required for gradual improvement. These skills transfer directly to better classroom participation and stronger friendships.

But here's my favourite finding: Music education creates a sense of identity and self-worth that lasts into adulthood. This is one of my favourite reasons and what I LOVE seeing at the Scotia Suzuki School and why I work so hard to build a “community” at our school in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Unlike many childhood activities, music becomes a lifelong companion — a source of joy, stress relief, and creative expression your child will carry forever. What an incredible gift for your child. 

When Practice Feels Hard (Because It Will!)

I'll be honest with you — there will be practice battles. There will be weeks when you question whether it's worth the effort. There will be moments when your child wants to quit. This is real life.

But here's what I've learned from watching hundreds of families navigate music education: The magic doesn't happen in the moments of easy enthusiasm. It happens in the “quiet persistence”.

It happens when a child pushes through frustration and discovers “they CAN do hard things”. It happens when they realise that “beautiful things take time and effort”. They learn “it’s worth it.”

Dr. Suzuki reminded us: "Character first, ability second."

Every time your child sits down to practice — even when they don't feel like it — they're building character. Every time they work through a difficult passage instead of giving up, they're learning perseverance. Every time they accept correction gracefully, they're developing resilience. Each time you make a repetition activity for them or a special practice challenge, you are teaching them to make goals and finish them. You are telling them that you will support them and be there for them. They can depend on you even when it’s hard. 

THAT'S what you're really paying for, and doing the work for. And THAT'S why it matters. Thats why I am here for you at Practicing Pro to help you make this easier and to be successful. Because this does matter, you belong here and you can do this!

Moving Forward with Confidence

If money is tight, talk to your music teacher! Many instructors would rather work with families on payment plans than lose students who are committed to the journey. Ask about bursaries or scholarships. Teachers often know about them and where to look. 

If practice has become a battleground, remember that struggle is part of growth. Consider adjusting expectations, celebrating small wins, and focusing on effort over perfection. (That's what I help families with every day!)

If you're questioning the value, look beyond the immediate. Notice how your child handles frustration in other areas. Watch how they respond to feedback at school. Listen for the confidence in their voice when they accomplish something difficult.

Your Why Is Still Beautiful

You chose music lessons for beautiful reasons. In a world that often prioritizes quick fixes and instant gratification, you're giving your child something rare: the understanding that real growth takes time, effort, and patience.

That choice is still beautiful. Your child is still worth that investment. And the reasons you started this journey? They're still there, still valid, still powerful.

Keep going, friend. The music — and the beautiful heart — you're building will last a lifetime.

You've got this!

I'd love to hear from you! What's one benefit you've noticed in your child since starting music lessons? Drop it in the comments below — let's celebrate those wins together!

GRAB MY FREE CHECKLIST

Check out my Free PDF download Checklist for a Successful Music Practice for teachers and practicing parents. Your easy checklist for successful home music practices from Christy, the practicing pro. Whether you are a new or seasoned practice parent or music teacher, this checklist will help you organize before, during, and after practices for effective and fun practices.

INVITATION from Christy Hodder:

DIGITAL COURSE from the Practicing Pro Academy

Speaking of amazing practices, let me tell you all about the digital course, the Practicing Pro Academy. This is for the serious practicing parents and music teachers and is an at-your-own-pace, step-by-step, online course to bring you more effective, positive, and fun home music practices. Registrants receive a special package in the mail from me, and I am with you in person with Q&As to answer all your questions.

Learn more about PPA and join the waitlist HERE for the next Practicing Pro Academy course. It's only offered once a year so you don't want to miss it. The registration will only open for a few weeks and I'll let everyone on the waitlist know immediately so that you can grab one of the spots.

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