Young musicians who practice for a long time every day can have health problems. Which one depends on the group of instruments. What to do to protect the baby, says our expert Valentina Shesterikova, pediatrician, doctor of the highest category, head of the pediatric department of the N.N. M.F. Vladimirsky.
January 26 2019
They develop a sense of rhythm and ear for music, train memory, perseverance, but frequent training can be dangerous. Violinists are forced to stand for a long time, holding the instrument between their chin and shoulder, one hand is constantly raised, the other is bent at the elbow. If the posture is incorrect, spasms and convulsions occur. Due to the fact that the muscles are unevenly tense, posture is often impaired in children. This provokes lower back pain, while the child may complain of discomfort in the heart, headache, blurred vision, photophobia.
Similar problems for guitarists, long static sitting in a bent position leads to muscle dystonia. The electric guitar is quite heavy, usually held on to a tape that presses on the shoulder, and the muscles spasm.
The game improves fine motor skills and dexterity of the fingers, teaches mindfulness. This is the least dangerous group of tools. To prevent problems with posture, teachers are taught to sit upright, with a straight back. A large load is exerted on the muscles of the wrist and fingers, spasms are possible. It is important to learn how to properly hold your arms, shoulders, and hands should be relaxed. After each lesson, you should do elementary gymnastics.
They are often recommended to master them for children prone to diseases of the upper respiratory tract and bronchi. With age, problems with the lungs may appear, so during the game you need to breathe correctly, avoiding excessive stress. Sometimes there are cases of dermatitis on the lips and chin. Clean the instrument after each rehearsal, periodically disinfect: pathogenic microorganisms can multiply inside.
They are ideal for hyperemotional children, the game helps to cope with nervous tension. Hearing aids are most at risk; sensorineural hearing loss may develop due to constant exposure to too loud sounds. Consult with your ENT doctor periodically. Injuries to the hands and fingers are also possible. If you knock with your palms, they will eventually lose sensitivity.
Children who perform frequently in public may experience chronic nervous tension that leads to illness.
Curvature of posture, muscular dystonia can develop when playing on almost all instruments. It is best to do no more than an hour a day, two to three times a week. Sign up your child for swimming, exercise therapy, or a general strengthening massage to relieve muscle spasms. Get regular check-ups with a neurologist.
When deciding which music class to enroll a child in, take into account not only his desires, but also his age, physical and psychological characteristics.
4 – 5 years… It is best to start with the piano, it is a good base for mastering any instrument in the future. Ideal for calm kids who don’t want to spend time with the company.
5 – 6 years… Pay attention to the recorder. Learning is not difficult, but if the child loves outdoor games, then it is better to choose another instrument. At this age, you can start playing the violin. It requires manual dexterity and good hearing.
7 – 8 years… Your choice is the accordion. If there are no motor problems, introduce your child to the guitar. You can postpone training until the age of 14, the teenager will master the instrument much easier and faster.
9 – 10 years… A hyperactive student will like drums, after 13 years the lessons will be more effective.
11-12 years old. The optimal period for learning to play the wind instruments. Educators will take into account the lung capacity, the degree of development of the articulatory apparatus and lip motility. There may be medical contraindications. The saxophone is ideal for kids who find it difficult to follow the rules. Looking for braces, look elsewhere.