The value and benefits of learning an instrument

It is a well-known fact that playing a musical instrument can bring a lot of joy to not only the musician, but the people around them too. In this article I explain the key value and benefits that come with learning and playing a musical instrument.

Learning to play a musical instrument can make you smarter.
For children, learning to play a musical instrument can help the brain develop. There is a growing amount of evidence out there that suggests that brains of musicians are functionally and structurally different to those that don’t play an instrument. Motor skills, hearing and memory are described as more active in those people that play an instrument over those people that don’t.

Learning to play a musical instrument can help relieve stress. 
Research has shown that regular play of a musical instrument can help reduce stress levels. Heart rates and blood pressure can be lowered making the musician feel far more relaxed. This can also be true for those that choose to just listen to music rather than play, but for those that regularly play an instrument it’s a great way to unwind from everyday stresses. In fact, students regularly tell us how much of a positive impact lessons and experience of performing live in front of an audience have had on many aspects of their lives.

Learning to play a musical instrument can help you learn new skills. 

Playing an instrument can also help you build confidence, improve your team working skills and your self esteem. Learning a musical instrument can also help people meet and make life long friends. There really is nothing better than continually meeting likeminded people in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

Learning to play a musical instrument can bring out creativity.

Music is also a great way to develop and bring out our creative sides. Over the years, our creativity can become lost. But, there is so much to gain from expressing your creative side. Music can bring out a range of emotions that can help stimulate your creativity.

Learning to play a musical instrument can give you a sense of achievement. 

When you learn to play a musical instrument you gain a real sense of achievement. Learning your first song or playing something well is not only a real ego boost, but it can also help you achieve so much more in other areas of your life. Once you have felt the feeling of achievement, you will get the bug and you will want to do well in everything else that you do.

Learning to play a musical instrument can make you more organised. 

In order to learn to play a musical instrument you have to make time in your schedule. I understand that this can be no easy task, but for those that are truly dedicated they will organise themselves and make the necessary time.

Learning to play a musical instrument will make you fitter.

And finally, music is a physical activity. You will learn coordination skill and control of the diaphragm, stomach, back and chest muscles which will ultimately lead to a higher fitness level.