Music education: key transferable skills

Learning to read and play music are very valuable skills that can bring a lifetime of enjoyment.

However, engaging with music also helps individuals develop a number of extra key transferable skills, including perseverance, the ability to focus, listening skills, analytical skills and creativity. These are fundamental skills that can be applied to almost any area of life.

Perseverance

In order to master a musical instrument, or learn a difficult piece of music, a musician must persevere despite the inevitable difficulties. This is one of the reasons why learning to play an instrument is such a beneficial activity for children; it helps them to understand that if they work through difficulties, they will succeed with their goals.

Ability to focus

A high level of focus is required to learn to read music or play an instrument. Without focus, it is impossible to make any progress. This is another reason why playing an instrument is so beneficial for children – it teaches them that to learn any new skill, they must remain focused.

Listening skills

One of the most important skills for any musician is the ability to listen carefully – to oneself and to others. Musicians must listen constantly; to their own playing, to their teachers, and to their colleagues. When listening is such a crucial factor for success, one’s listening skills – a vital aspect of good communication – become increasingly refined.

Analytical skills

The process of learning about, and playing music is highly analytical. Musicians must be able to analyse musical notation in order to fully understand it and read it. Learning to play an instrument also requires a musician to continuously analyse their own playing, and decide what steps they must take in order to progress.

Creativity

Finally, engaging in music also helps develop the skill of creativity. Musicians learn how to use music as a creative tool, and having access to such a tool enables them to focus purely on how they can express their creativity. The ability to think creatively is a highly valuable skill.