Index IntroductionMusic Hobbies in Childhood DevelopmentThe Invaluable Nature of Learning MusicThe Importance of Hobbies in Children's LivesConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionRichard W. Riley, Former States Secretary of Education United, he once said "[arts] education in music, theatre, dance and the visual arts are one of the most creative ways available to us to find the gold buried beneath the surface. They (children) have a enthusiasm for life, a spark of creativity and a vivid imagination that needs training… training that prepares them to become confident young men and women.” author Mark Oppenheimer he seems to believe that there is “no special virtue in knowing how to play” (129) a musical instrument or learning ballet, and that neither adds value to society as people enter adulthood. That said, I disagree with his point that the arts are hobbies that are no longer necessary or invaluable, and that hobbies provide nothing more than simple entertainment or enjoyment. Different types of hobbies, such as learning a musical instrument, have numerous benefits that contribute to personal growth and development beyond just entertainment. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Musical Hobbies in Childhood Development According to Oppenheimer, learning a musical instrument is no longer necessary in today's society. For example, Oppenheimer states in “Stop Forcing Your Kids to Learn a Musical Instrument” that “[people] just need to enroll [their children] in lessons that make more sense” (129) because this is not the eighteenth century , so she "[does] not need a violin-playing daughter to solidify [her] class status" (129). In the 1800s, having a piano in the home was what primarily gave families status. Once pianos began to be manufactured in other countries and “machine-made” (128), the price of the instruments fell, which in turn made them more accessible to lower- and middle-class families. As the price of instruments has fallen and financing options have become available, pianos have become a status symbol for many families who once couldn't afford them while learning to play these instruments has become a burden for girls. Oppenheimer is right in stating that he does not need his daughter to confer any kind of status on her family by playing an instrument, however, I disagree that learning to play an instrument is unnecessary or that parents should enroll your children in other activities that “make more sense” (129 ). Learning to play a musical instrument has several benefits and one could argue that it makes just as much sense as for children involved in other activities such as baseball or dance. For example, learning to play a musical instrument is said to improve reading and math skills, improve coordination, develop social skills and expose children to new cultures. That said, research shows that children involved in physical activities can develop skills similar to those of children learning to play an instrument. Accordingly, the above reasons should not constitute a parent's primary justification for enrolling their child in learning a musical instrument or participating in any activity in general. Although parents can enroll their children in activities that “make more sense” (129), playing a musical instrument is not superfluous as it is an option for children who do not. 1999.