According to Professor Susan Hallam, a leading expert in the psychology of music education at University College London, learning to play a musical instrument can have a significant positive impact on a child’s cognitive and social development. Professor Hallam points out that playing a musical instrument requires the use of multiple senses and skills, including visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive abilities. This can lead to improvements in areas such as memory, attention, language, and social interaction.

However, it is important to note that children should not be pushed too hard, and the age at which they start learning to play a musical instrument is also critical. Professor Hallam recommends that children start learning to play an instrument between the ages of six and nine, as this is the age range when their cognitive abilities are developing rapidly and they are better able to concentrate and stay focused.

In conclusion, the benefits of learning to play a musical instrument for more than three years are supported by research conducted by scholars in Europe. Playing a musical instrument can improve cognitive abilities in children and lead to improvements in areas such as memory, attention, language, and social interaction. However, it is important to ensure that children are not pushed too hard and that they start learning at the appropriate age.