Parents:
My wife and I are parents to two knuckle-headed boys, ages 12 and 17, and I love them as much as you love your children. Their well-being is at the forefront of every decision I make.
I also have thirty-plus years of experience in music education. Knowing how important music is to young people’s social and cognitive development, I ensure that my boys participate in music, both at school in ensembles, and at home on the piano.
I would like to believe I know a thing or two about music, and I try hard to be a good dad, which is why I make music a priority. As a music educator, I want my boys to have the best, but as a dad, I know that they are absent-minded boys who aren’t ready for that right now. This is why I rent their instruments. I know I am getting great quality with the peace of mind of knowing it is insured and comes with free repairs. Did I mention my boys are knuckleheads?
As I said, I love my sons, which is why I require them to participate in music.
Why? Because my knowledge and experience in the field tell me that it not only provides a well-rounded educational experience, it also offers an opportunity for creativity and expression, which are crucial to personal growth and development. Study after study shows the importance of including music in your curriculum, including:
- Increased Literacy: While children come into the world ready to decode sounds and words, music education helps enhance those natural abilities.
- Language Development: Growing up in a musically rich environment is often advantageous for children’s language development.
- Brain Development: Recent studies have indicated that musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain that is involved with processing language and can wire the brain’s circuits in specific ways.
- Increased IQ: A 2004 study found a slight increase in the IQs of six-year-olds who participated in weekly music lessons.
- Higher Test Scores: A 2007 study revealed that students in elementary schools with superior music education experiences scored around 22 percent higher in English and 20 percent higher in math scores on standardized tests.
Remember, I am a music educator. But, more importantly, I am a dad to two boys who are in critical phases of their personal development. I know firsthand that being involved in music has been shown to:
- Increase social/emotional well-being. Kids involved in music report fewer instances of self-harm, depression, or feelings of isolation.
- Teach them life skills. These skills include but are not limited to being disciplined, learning a skill, being part of a group, managing performance anxiety, and learning to work through something difficult over a long period of time.
- Correlate with less risky behavior. Young people involved in music have a lower life-long rate of alcohol and drug use.
- Support greater life success. Music students go on to college and post-secondary activities at a much higher rate than non-music students.
Yes, I know that music matters, which is why I don’t teach my boys. They see me as “dad,” and are not looking for me to teach them ANYTHING, they are teenagers who already know EVERYTHING. So, I give them some space, me a break, and let an expert (anyone who isn’t called dad) teach them.
I want you to know that before I worked for Music & Arts I was a customer. The “dad” rented, returned, and needed multiple instruments repaired from them. The Music Educator used them as my sole source for virtually everything I needed.
Why?
You have enough on your hands (and whiteboards). And we’re really good at it. We have you covered from A-Z, (or A-G# as we musicians like to say).
At Music & Arts, we can provide you with everything you need to fill your child’s world with music, including:
- High-quality, affordable instruments from major brands, delivered right to your door.
- Two hundred forty retail locations and a nationwide call center to answer your every question.
- Ease of online scheduling and shopping.
- A wide variety of supplies and instrument accessories.
- A wealth of method books and various learning aids.
- A nationwide insurance/repair/exchange program.
- Step-up instruments for when your child is ready.
And if your children are like mine, and want to learn from someone other than dad, we offer in-store and online lessons as well.
Music & Arts is ready, willing, and eager to help fill this critical need, and be your music education partner. We take this responsibility seriously and solemnly and have over three thousand employees dedicated to your child’s success.
Get started at MusicArts.com/Rentals or find your local store at MusicArts.com/Stores and talk with one of our associates to find the right rental option for you. Not close to a store? No problem, you can reach out to our nationwide call center at 888-731-5396.
As a dad, there are very few things I am certain of, but the importance of music is one of them. I see music as a critical part of not just their educational growth, but their personal development as well. If you are like me, you want what’s best for them and most convenient for you, which is why I personally rent from Music & Arts.
Whether you have a set music curriculum or want to add it as a supplemental element for your child, Music & Arts is your one-stop-shop for everything you need. Whether you’re just getting started or your child is ready to move to the next level, we’re here to help make sure you and your child have a rewarding musical experience.
Sincerely,
Scott Lang
Father to Brayden and Evan
Director of Advocacy, Music & Arts
