These skills are necessary for higher-level math, among other tasks. As in athletics, children must practice regularly to advance in music. They learn that practice brings improvement. The real commitment comes in further study, but those first 2 years are not wasted. Kids will start off on piano, and then they can go to any other instrument.
Piano lessons are popular.
Piano and guitar lessons far outnumber others at music stores. If your child expresses a preference for another instrument, it's best to allow him or her lessons in that instrument. Don't force piano on a child. Also consider the influence of a child's piano lessons on younger siblings. Nothing can motivate a child to take piano lessons more than seeing an older brother or sister playing.