Beyond how fun it can be, there are plenty of benefits to learning a musical instrument. Whether you’re drawn to guitar, bass, piano, or something else, learning to play has perks that go beyond musical skills.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of learning to play an instrument.
What are the benefits of playing a musical instrument?
The advantages of learning to play a musical instrument can typically be grouped into one of five core categories:
Brain Function
It’s no secret that learning to play an instrument helps to improve brain function. Specifically, it can enhance memory, problem-solving skills, focus, and concentration.
This even applies to older adults and senior citizens. Studies have shown that learning a musical instrument may help boost verbal memory and cognitive function in people ages 61 and up.
- Playing a piece of music stimulates the brain.
- Practice requires the player to focus their attention and motor skills on mastering new techniques.
- Reading music, coordinating hand movements, and listening to sounds all require brainpower.
In short, playing an instrument is a means of mental exercise.
From young children to adults in their golden years, making music can sharpen the mind. Naturally, these benefits can carry over into other aspects of life, as well. This includes work, school, and your daily routine.
Academics
Along with benefits to brain function, playing a musical instrument can also lead to greater academic performance.
Learning an instrument requires time, practice, and commitment. It also helps to develop patience and discipline, two essential traits for academic success.
Likewise, studies have found that learning to play music can improve performance in other subjects. This includes math, reading, and language arts.
Even further, kids who learn to play music may begin to process new sounds and develop stronger listening skills.
Musical training can also help kids in other ways. Studies show that children who learn to play an instrument may develop a stronger attention span and greater working memory. While listening to music is wonderful, playing music can have an even greater impact on development.
Because learning a musical instrument is such an engaging exercise, those educational skills flow effortlessly into other areas of academia.
Stress Relief
It’s been known for some time that making music reduces stress. The sense of relaxation that comes with learning and playing an instrument is compelling. Many find that it reduces anxiety and alleviates symptoms of depression.
The best part is that it doesn’t even matter which instrument you play. If you’re enjoying the experience, that’s all that matters. Playing consistently is key, of course. If you stick with it, you may notice the stress-relieving benefits of playing an instrument in a few short weeks.
A study conducted by Fender and YouGov reported that 67% of new guitar players have a full-time career. Many look to guitar as a hobby or passion.
Considering how much stress comes with a full-time career, it’s no wonder more adults are picking up an instrument. It’s a great way to unwind and can even reduce cortisol levels (i.e., the hormone associated with stress and anxiety).
Just picking up guitar? Find all you need to get started with our list of essential gear for beginner guitarists.
Creativity
Perhaps it’s a given but learning to play an instrument can foster creativity and imaginative thinking. It’s also a constructive means for self-expression. Learning an instrument can even help with processing feelings.
For adults, picking up a musical instrument can be a great way to get creative and explore their artistic side. As a satisfying and rewarding hobby that provides a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, it’s a truly marvelous pastime.
For kids, the benefits are equally exciting. As children learn to express themselves through music, they’ll explore different sounds and rhythms. This often leads to new outlets for creativity and emotional expression.
Social Skills
Learning to play a musical instrument can help improve a person’s social skills. As a core part of the human experience, music strengthens social bonds. It grants us new ways to interact, coordinate, and collaborate with others.
Joining a music group or band can improve social skills and provide a sense of community. It also helps with cultural preservation.
Similarly, learning an instrument and being able to play it well can provide a sense of achievement and accomplishment. It can also improve overall posture, body alignment, and hand-eye coordination. This boosts confidence, which may lead to improved social interaction.
Social interaction is deeply important for young children and older adults.
- For kids, it can reinforce the importance of teamwork.
- For adults, it can lead to a greater sense of meaning and involvement.
Collaborating with other musicians cuts into the isolation and loneliness people feel when they lack positive interactions with others. It can even lead to a greater sense of community.
It’s not just what you learn, but how you learn.
Learning to play an instrument can be an empowering and rewarding experience for people of all ages. However, one of the most important things to consider is how you learn to play.
More than ever, people are learning new skills online, including how to make music. While the Internet and video music classes make it easier than ever to develop new skills, these resources present unique challenges.
There’s a better way to learn to play an instrument online.
Learning to play an instrument relies heavily on repetition. As a result, having to control online educational media while taking your hands from your instrument can slow your progress.
Vidami solves this problem. With Vidami, you can play, pause, rewind, fast forward, slow down, and loop media using a convenient foot pedal.
Vidami’s platform compatibility is unmatched, working with dozens of the most popular video learning platforms. This opens the door to more resources and music lessons, putting you in complete control of how you learn.
Learn more about how Vidami can help you learn to play an instrument faster. Check out professional demos videos or try it for yourself.
