Many people don’t need to be persuaded into playing a musical instrument – they are simply drawn to it regardless of the perks that come with it. For others it is something that has been pondered and dismissed due to lack of time, resources or simply a lack of action. It is important to remember that you are never too young or old to start learning an instrument.
Here are our top 10 benefits:
1. Reduces stress
Like most hobbies it is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a set task making your stress and worries long forgotten.
2. Increases your learning and memory capacity
Many studies have proven that learning how to play and read music keeps your brain active and boosts your retention rate, IQ and capacity for learning.
3. Enhances co-ordination
Most instruments require great hand-eye co-ordination and on-going practise continues to hone your motor skills.
4. Boost your social skills
Knowing how to play a musical instrument leads to the potential chance of creating or joining a group or band. Join forces with friends, your family and groups with common interests.
5. Teaches discipline
To play an instrument well you need to set practise times and be persistent when working through the challenges of new techniques. This helps you to grow as a person as well as a musician.
6. Increases listening skills
Tuning, pitch, playing in an ensemble… all of these things require you listen intently which is a highly valuable life skill.
7. Express yourself
Pick the instrument that best represents your own personality and then learn to express your thoughts, emotions and style.
8. Improve your self confidence
Whether you evolve to become a stage performer or not playing for others is inevitable (be it your pet cat or an arena filled with fans). The confidence that comes with playing an instrument can increase your self confidence.
9. Enjoy a sense of achievement
Taking on new challenges is something everyone should do. There is no better feeling than the sense of achievement when you conquer the challenge you set for yourself.
10. It is fun
What better reason is there?!
Working out which musical instrument suits you best is a topic for another day!