Shy children have difficulties in school. They are petrified to go to the front of the class to deliver reports and are too nervous to raise their hands when they know an answer in class. Parents of these shy children often look for opportunities to raise the child’s self-esteem and help them overcome their shyness. For many, music becomes the outlet that works wonders.

Music can help a shy child in several ways:

• Music provides them with an acceptable way to express themselves without words.
• Musical interpretation gives them confidence and helps them overcome shyness in front of crowds or groups.
• Interacting with other children in a musical environment helps them break the ice and learn better communication skills.
• Making music in a group helps them to work with others with confidence.
• Musical ability gives them a talent that they feel safe sharing and talking about.

Not all of these benefits of music for a shy child will show up from the start of music lessons. Younger children who already show signs of shyness often sign up for youth music programs as a means of expression. They are given the tools to express their emotions and thoughts without having to talk to others.

As the child grows, they will develop more competence with music and that self-expression will be more valuable. They will have a talent that they can talk about with others and show off at school with great confidence. That self-confidence can work wonders for a shy child who might otherwise cower in a corner of school.

If a child progresses to the point of performing music in front of others or giving concerts, in time he may completely outgrow his shyness. They get used to being ahead of others and learn that they can actually do graceful and funny things that others want to hear and enjoy.

Parents who fear that their children may be shy should introduce their children to a musical environment as soon as possible. It’s never too early for children to start exploring music. The younger they start, the more likely they are to come to love and appreciate music in a very deep way.

Many shy kids need something they really love to bring them out of their shells. They need something to boost their confidence and something to make them feel their own greatness. Music can do that for them, especially if they start young and are encouraged to express themselves through their own musical creations.

Even the simple act of interacting with other children through music can bring the shy child out of his shell. It takes the pressure off of trying to introduce themselves or make friends because they can bond and interact with others through music. Children who take music classes outside of school will meet school children in a more informal setting and that can help them make friendships that will carry over into school life.

All children will benefit from music in some way, but it can be especially powerful for children who tend to be shy or less confident. This is something that many parents of shy children have already discovered and many more will discover in the future.