Thursday, June 17, 2010

Violin & Football

As a teenager, my dad often reminded people (including me): "If a kid plays a musical instrument, he or she will also be a straight-A student." I asked him about this statement the other day. He said that when he and my mom met my sister's violin teacher for the first time she said to them, "You are giving me your daughter, and when she is through taking violin lessons from me, you will not only have a daughter who can play the violin beautifully, but you will also have a straight-A student." Needless to say, that prophesy was fulfilled, my dad was convinced, and the statement became doctrine.

During high school, I thought my dad was just saying that, (and especially after discovering his theory was based merely on evidence from one research subject), but then I found this article. It is about how mothers apply what they learned in college to teaching their children at home. It includes a story about a mom that did research during her undergraduate degree on the relationship between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. She found that "strengthening the right side of the brain through artistic endeavors, such as learning to play a musical instrument, had been linked to academic and athletic success." Wow.

This mother required all of her kids to take private music lessons if they wanted to play sports. So, my husband played football in high school, (something I am desperately hoping to steer my boys AWAY from), so maybe violin will do the trick. I am thinking that violin lessons will not only make them smar-ter - so that they will play soccer (or ANY sport, really) instead of football - but also guarantee those straight-A report cards... right?

I know, I know, I will laugh when I read this years from now. It's as if I really do believe that I have some say in what my kids will decide to do, and hopefully be passionate about...

3 comments:

Jason, Tiff and the Kids said...

You will love the experience of football, especially with great coaches. We have incredible memories and will enjoy Tanner's senior year of football this fall. My children will now have a new excuse for their grades...they didn't play the violin! I have to agree with your father's comments. I too have personally seen it (not my children, but others) Miss you! PS My Taylor is back...better, stronger and becoming a great man!

Anonymous said...

Football players RULE and violin people DROOL!

cheri said...

i think the relationship between playing an instrument and getting good grades is that the child learns discipline, something that is needed to concentrate on school.

looks like my son will play the guitar and drums...