‘For all children, the ability to play a musical instrument is just as important as the ability to read and write.’ How far do you agree with this suggestion? How important is it for a child to learn to play a musical instrument, in your view?

‘For all children, the ability to play a musical instrument is just as important as the ability to read and write.’ How far do you agree with this suggestion? How important is it for a child to learn to play a musical instrument, in your view?

In contemporary times, some people say that it is essential for youngsters to learn to play music, as much as they focus on academics.  The following paragraphs will delve deeper into this perspective, by further outlining the necessity to learn a musical instrument.  

On the one hand, learning to operate a musical device can significantly contribute to holistic development. It has been observed that children who engage with music tend to inculcate discipline, concentration, and problem solving skills right from a young age. Additionally, this learning also enhances creativity and communication abilities by enabling youngsters to portray their feelings through a different medium. As per studies, it has been seen that the musical ability  greatly benefits growing minds, especially those  with disabilities to communicate much more effectively making it a great choice for them to communicate and vent their pent-up emotions. Furthermore, learning an instrument  can also help pupils with skill development, particularly those who may not excel in academics. 

On the other hand, literacy is far more essential in everyday life. Without the foundation of this essential acumen in contemporary times, one can significantly be excluded from everyday tasks. Moreover, being literate significantly influences future careers, making it indispensable in an increasingly competitive world. As per various studies, it is observed that individuals who are literate tend to secure stable jobs than those who have exceptional skills in music or any other artform, as literacy forms the backbone of communication and effective learning. 

In conclusion, I believe that academics form the foundation of all life skills and literacy cannot be replaced by additional skill sets or hobbies, even though learning musical instruments can benefit pupils with their overall comprehensive development and can prove to be rewarding for children with special needs.