Many parents hesitate when thinking about signing their child up for music lessons. Oftentimes they worry that it will be a waste of time and money if their child doesn’t continue long term. While it is true that most children who take music lessons won’t grow up to become famous musicians, there are only benefits to be gained from music education, such as improved health (mental, physical, and emotional), enhanced brain development, and greater focus. Here are some celebrities and historical figures who played a musical instrument.
Albert Einstein played the violin. He was once quoted as saying, “Life without playing music is inconceivable for me. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music. I get most joy in life out of music.” According to his wife Elsa, music helped him when he was thinking about his theories.
Harry S. Truman started taking piano lessons when he was seven years old. Truman continued playing even after he quit lessons, and often played the piano at official events during his political career. In fact, he once joked that playing a certain minuet was how he got Joseph Stalin to sign the Potsdam Accords.
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice once aspired to become a concert pianist, but changed her mind when she realized the demands of a professional career in music. Although she did not become a professional concert pianist, she had the rare opportunity to perform for Queen Elizabeth II while serving as Secretary of State.
Neil Armstrong was not only the first man to walk on the moon, but he was also the first baritone player. He started playing the baritone as a teenager and continued playing through college as a member of the Purdue University All-American Band.
Young Neil Armstrong is on the top left.
Before Mike Reid played for the Cincinnati Bengals, he received a bachelor’s degree in music from Pennsylvania University. After retiring from football due to injuries, he became a renowned songwriter for the likes of Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Wynnona Judd, and more.
Few today may remember that King Charles III studied the cello, but his support for the performing arts is well known. He credits his love for music to his grandmother, who took him to opera performances as a child. It should be no surprise that he supports caregivers taking children to performances.
Christopher Reeve was not only the Man of Steel, but he was also an accomplished pianist. In fact, you can see his musical talent on display in an episode of “The Muppet Show” where he accompanied the one and only Miss Piggy.
Four-time World Series Champion Bernie Williams grew up playing baseball and classical guitar. He graduated from the Manhattan School of Music upon retiring from baseball. In addition to a successful career in music, he also supports music education programs for kids, including MusicWill (formerly known as Little Kids Rock).
Dr. Donald A. Glaser was one of the youngest Nobel Prize winners in history for his invention of the bubble chamber (a vessel filled with a superheated transparent liquid used to detect electrically charged particles moving through it). He was also a talented violist who enjoyed listening to and playing music. In fact, the night he learned that he had won the Nobel Prize, he celebrated by performing quartets with friends.
Takeaway
With the exception of Mike Reid and Bernie Williams (whose music careers came after retiring from sports), none of these individuals were professional musicians. Considering how many benefits have been found from music education, it should be clear that music lessons were not at all a waste. In fact, it can be argued that their early music studies helped them become successful in their non-music careers. When you sign yoru child up for music lessons, you can be assured that there will be lifelong benefits to your child.