PicoBuddy

The Power of Music: Why Everyone Should Learn an Instrument

PicoBuddyMiddle SchoolOpinion / Argumentative3 min read
Image for The Power of Music: Why Everyone Should Learn an Instrument

The Power of Music: Why Everyone Should Learn an Instrument

Imagine a world filled with melodies, rhythms, and harmonies created by everyone around you. Learning a musical instrument isn't just a fun hobby; it's a powerful experience that can benefit people of all ages in countless ways. From boosting brainpower to building self-esteem, the reasons to pick up an instrument are numerous and compelling.

Cognitive Benefits

Studies have shown that learning an instrument enhances cognitive functions. It's like giving your brain a full workout! Reading music, coordinating your hands, and listening critically all stimulate different parts of the brain. This can improve memory, attention span, and even problem-solving skills. Playing music strengthens the connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, leading to enhanced learning capabilities in other subjects as well. Think of it as an investment in your overall intelligence!

Emotional and Social Advantages

Glossary
Cognitive:
Relating to mental processes like thinking and memory.
Empathy:
Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
Resilience:
The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
compelling:
Convincing, powerful, and demanding attention.
collaboration:
The act of working together with others toward a common purpose or goal.
perseverance:
The steady effort to keep doing or achieving something despite difficulties or obstacles.
accessible:
Easy to approach, reach, obtain, or use.

One passage, many ways to practice

Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.

  • Main Idea

    Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.

  • Context Clues

    Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.

  • Summarize

    Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.

  • Purpose

    Analyze what the author aims to do and how choices serve audience and purpose.

  • Structure

    Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.

  • Fact & Opinion

    Distinguish verifiable statements from judgments, beliefs, and preferences in context.

  • Claims & Evidence

    Trace and evaluate how claims are supported by reasons and evidence.

  • Language & Tone

    Interpret nonliteral language and analyze how word choice shapes tone and meaning.

  • Writing Prompts

    Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.

  • Fix the Sentence

    Practice editing sentences drawn from this passage with a printable worksheet.

Pico points towards the free sign-up options

Ready to use this passage in class?

Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.

Sign up with emailLog in

Preview questions from this passageShow
  1. 1What are some cognitive benefits of learning a musical instrument?
  2. 2How does playing an instrument enhance emotional and social development?

Where this passage belongs

You Might Also Like

About this opinion / argumentative passage for Middle School

“The Power of Music: Why Everyone Should Learn an Instrument” is a opinion / argumentative reading passage about Music Education, written for Middle School. It takes about 3 minutes to read (454 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.

Is this passage free?

Yes. With a free account, you can read “The Power of Music: Why Everyone Should Learn an Instrument” online and download a printable PDF worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.

What reading level is “The Power of Music: Why Everyone Should Learn an Instrument”?

It’s written for Middle School — a opinion / argumentative text about Music Education, about a 3-minute read (454 words).

What’s included with this passage?

An illustrated reading passage, a glossary of key terms, comprehension questions with an answer key, and an interactive quiz.

Can I adapt it for my students?

Yes. Remix is included with Pro and Max for adapting it to another grade level or language.