The unsung benefits of learning an instrument

School's back in session and students can be found back in their seats, but for those that haven't quite had enough in their seats...why not some music!

There are lots of reasons that might push us to learn an instrument. This could include parental pressure for educational advancements to the desire to be discovered and become the music industry's next big thing. Perhaps, plain and simply, it all boils down to the simple pleasure of practice. Amongst others, to help motivate you to take the plunge, here’s a list of benefits that you’d least expect.

Higher Intelligence
In learning an instrument, you draw on both theory and practice. Thus, practicing an instrument activates both hemispheres of your brain: the right part, used for the musical sensibility and the left, associated with logic and calculation inherent to the knowledge of music theory.

This is beneficial at any age: studies show that the musicians' brains are more developed than those of non-musicians. Similarly, children who are new to practicing an instrument have an easier time in school. Lastly, learning an instrument has been proven to protect against neurodegenerative diseases.

Psychomotor development
Whatever the instrument, learning how to play it involves motor skills that develop agility and hand coordination. Additionally, these skills solicit the same parts of the brain as speech and memory, which subsequently strengthens them.

Personal development
Learning is punctuated with highs and lows. The passage of these steps brings satisfaction, self-confidence and self-discipline that have the power to transform a person's character.

Creativity
Past the tedious steps of starting from the beginning, apprentice musicians at heart often apply what they have learned to create their own compositions or improvisations, putting in action their creative spirit.

The social aspect
While it isn’t compulsory, playing in a group or getting involved in an orchestra, helps a musician pass a key stage in the implementation of what has been learned while fostering social ties and team spirit.

Published on: 1 września 2015