What do video games and music lessons have in common?

Posted by  Anthony Miller, on Nov 24, 2021 11:01:12 AM

Student music showcaseShould you encourage your child to learn a musical instrument?  Do music lessons have benefits beyond the ability to "Rock"!

According to Gary Marcus:

"There is a myth that children don't really enjoy learning new things, but as every video game maker has realized, the truth is just the opposite. From "Space Invaders" to "Halo," "Grand Theft Auto" and "Zelda," practically every video game is in part about mastering new skills.

As video game designers realized long ago, if you can keep a player poised on the knife's edge of conquering new challenges, neither too easy and too hard but square in what the cognitive psychologist Vygotsky called the Zone of Proximal Development, you can keep gamers engaged for hours. As long as we constantly feel challenged but never overwhelmed, we keep coming back for more and constantly sharpen new skills.

The trouble, though, with most video games lies in what they teach, which often stays with the game when the game is complete. A game that makes you good at shooting aliens may have little application in the real world.

Learning a more lasting new skill - be it playing guitar - can equally harness the brain's joy of learning new things, but leave you with something of permanent value, in a way video games ever could. It leaves you with a sense of fulfillment, which goes back to what pioneering psychologist Abraham Maslow called "self-actualization."

As Aristotle realized, there is a difference between the pleasures of the moment (hedonia), and the satisfaction that comes from constantly developing and living one's life to the fullest (eudaimonia). In recent years, scientists have finally begun to study eudaimonia. Research suggests that the greater sense of purpose and personal growth associated with eudaimonia correlates with lower cortisol levels, better immune function and more efficient sleep."

At Creative Soul, we offer music lessons to children ages 7 to 17.  Whether your student wants to learn guitar, piano, voice, drums or violin, we have the program for you!

Recent Posts

Need Help With Music Lessons

Fill out our form below and we can help you take your next right step.

REQUEST MORE INFO

RECENT ARTICLES

how expensive is music lessons music lesson tuition cost of music lessons

Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Music Lesson Costs in 2024

Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Music Lesson Costs in 2024 Introduction Music lessons provide a gateway to musical proficiency and enjoyment. However, understanding the financial implications is...
Music Lessons piano lessons voice lessons guitar lessons for kids Drum lessons for kids near me

Top 10 Reasons You Should Perform In Recitals

Top 10 Reasons You Should Perform In Recitals Performing in a student recital for music lessons offers numerous benefits that can greatly enhance one's musical journey. Firstly, it provides an...
piano lessons Piano Lessons in Dallas Fort Worth How long does it take to learn piano

How Long Does It Take to Learn Piano?

Introduction Learning to play the piano is a rewarding journey that combines artistry and skill. Many aspiring pianists wonder, "How long does it take to learn piano?" In this comprehensive guide,...
Text Us   Request More Info  Call Us