8: 10 Reasons to Have Homeschooled Kids Learn the Guitar

Join Gena Mayo on the Music in Our Homeschool podcast as she shares invaluable insights into why homeschoolers should consider having their children learn the guitar. In this episode, Gena presents "Ten Reasons to Have Homeschooled Kids Learn Guitar," highlighting the accessibility, versatility, and many benefits of this beloved instrument.

From fostering creativity and enhancing memory skills to promoting relaxation and stress relief, Gena explores how learning the guitar cultivates important life skills while providing endless opportunities for self-expression and musical exploration. Whether your child is a budding musician or simply curious about picking up a new hobby, this episode offers compelling reasons to embrace the guitar as a valuable addition to your homeschool curriculum.

Tune in to discover why the acoustic guitar is the perfect instrument for homeschoolers and how it can inspire a lifelong love of music and learning. Guitar Time with Ben is the perfect online course for ages 10 and up. Find it here: https://learn.musicinourhomeschool.com/p/guitar-time-with-ben

Find all links and resources here: https://musicinourhomeschool.com/HomeschoolersLearnGuitar

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Transcript

Ten Reasons to Have Homeschooled Kids Learn Guitar

[00:00:00] Do you play the guitar? Has your son or daughter been asking to learn to play the guitar? Learning to play an instrument is a great way for homeschooled students to develop their creativity and self-discipline. Not only that, but it can also help them learn important life skills like communication, problem-solving, and more.

Of all the instruments one can choose to learn, the acoustic guitar is a great choice. Here are 10 reasons to have your homeschooled kids learn guitar. Number one, it's Accessible. Acoustic guitars are easy to find in any music store or even at a neighbor's house. You can borrow one or buy one very inexpensively at a thrift store.

It's also easy to travel with, unlike a piano, and it doesn't require time-consuming setup like a drum set. Number two. It's fun. There's no denying that learning to play the [00:01:00] guitar can be quite enjoyable. Strumming chords, finger picking melodies, and belting out lyrics while playing are all great ways for homeschool kids to have a super fun time. It allows kids to express themselves musically without relying on technology or special equipment.

They can pick up their guitar and start playing whenever they feel like it, whether they want to practice alone or they're with friends. Number three, it's versatile. The guitar is a great instrument to learn for its versatility. The guitar can be used in any genre of music from rock, metal, to classical, jazz, folk, country, Christian contemporary, praise band, and more.

It can be used as an accompaniment for singing or for solo playing. Furthermore, learning to play the guitar can lead to flexibility to play other instruments, such as the electric guitar, the bass, the banjo, or the mandolin. Number five, it [00:02:00] develops life skills. Learning an instrument isn't just about becoming a better musician.

It also teaches important life skills, such as discipline, problem solving, time management, perseverance, and more. As homeschoolers, these are invaluable lessons that can be applied outside of the music realm too. Number five, it teaches self esteem. Being able to play an instrument gives children a sense of accomplishment that can boost their confidence and self esteem in other areas of their lives as well.

As they become proficient at playing the acoustic guitar, their confidence in themselves and their abilities will grow. Number six, it helps them unwind and de-stress. After spending hours doing academic work or engaging in extracurricular activities, taking some time out with the acoustic guitar can be a great way for kids to relax and unwind from all their daily [00:03:00] stressors.

Music has been proven to reduce anxiety levels significantly, which is why learning to play an instrument can be so beneficial for homeschoolers. Number seven, it encourages creativity. Learning an instrument encourages creative thinking by pushing children out of their comfort zone and into uncharted territory when it comes to making music.

With the acoustic guitar specifically, kids have the opportunity to learn different chords and melodies which can lead them down exciting paths when exploring different genres of music. Maybe they'll even be inspired to compose their own songs. Number eight, it enhances memory skills. Learning how to play an instrument requires strong memory skills because it involves memorizing chord progressions, scales, other important pieces of information. Additionally, playing music helps strengthen those neuropathways in the brain that are [00:04:00] responsible for memory recall and retention over time. Number nine, it improves coordination and motor skills. Playing the acoustic guitar requires both fine motor skills using your fingers, as well as large motor skills holding and strumming the guitar.

It also strengthens your right -left brain connection since both hands are being used independently. By working on both types of motor skills simultaneously while playing this type of instrument, kids are sure to develop greater coordination throughout their bodies, which will benefit them in various ways over time.

And number 10, it helps players grow musically. I always encourage piano lessons as soon as possible, but the guitar is a close second. Playing the guitar will develop listening skills, especially: you're listening, how to stay in tune, how to hear the harmonies. It helps students learn to be ready [00:05:00] and be able to play correct rhythms.

It teaches them how to read chord charts and lots of music theory concepts. So in conclusion, I want to encourage you to help your child take up this awesome hobby of learning to play the guitar. The benefits associated with learning how to play the acoustic guitar are numerous and far reaching with improved coordination and motor skills development, increased patience and perseverance,

creative exploration opportunities, stress relief outlets, and increased self esteem boosts. And it will give students an instrument to play for life. And if you're looking for a click-and-go, easy-to-use, and extremely affordable beginning guitar course, take a look at Guitar Time with Ben. The link is in the show notes or the description.

And until next time, keep the music alive.