Benefits For Adults
We’ve all heard that getting your child into music can really help with development and learning skills, but few people talk about the benefits of learning to play an instrument as an adult. Yes, in fact you can teach an old dog new tricks and doing so can lead to a whole host of gains.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn an instrument, but never had the chance as a child. Perhaps you didn’t have any interest when you were younger, but now wish you’d jumped on any opportunities you had along the way. The great news is that it’s never too late to learn to play and to get additional benefits from the learning.
If you’ve been on the fence about learning to play an instrument, here are some benefits that may just nudge you towards taking the plunge.
Increase Reaction Time
Aging plays a lot of cruel tricks on the body. While young people have quick reflexes, older people tend to react slower. By playing a musical instrument you can train your body to react more quickly.
Increase Grey Matter
In terms of brain power, having more grey matter to work with is good. Studies have shown that the volume of grey matter in a number of regions of the brain is higher in those learning to play a musical instrument. The long range connection between brain regions are also strengthened with instrument playing. Those studying an instrument can look forward to improvements in literacy, spatial reasoning and verbal memory.
Become a Multitasker
Maybe you already think you’re adept at juggling a variety of tasks at once or maybe you just wish you were. Either way, learning to play an instrument can make this ability strong. Playing music pushes us to involve multiple senses at once. Do so on a regular basis and your multisensory skill set increases.
Boost Blood Flow
If you feel like you’re lagging in the energy department you may be tempted to reach for a cup of coffee or an energy drink. Rather than pumping your body with caffeine, grab your instrument instead. Studies have proven that brief periods of music lessons up the blood flow in the left hemisphere of the brain.
Alleviate Stress
Stress is all around us and sometimes it can be tough to find a way out of the daily grind. Fortunately, playing an instrument channels our energy and focus into something that makes people happy. That shift can lower your blood pressure and heart rate, which is good all around.
A Sense of Accomplishment
We’re always learning, but as adults we may not feel that we’re making the big strides in learning that we made when we were kids. Sometimes adults lament the things that they wish they’d learned when they were younger. The truth is that learning to play an instrument can happen at any age in life and the sense of accomplishment you get from learning to play as an adult can be even greater than what you may have had as a kid.
If you really want to learn a new skill, it’s never too late. Music has so many advantages for us and those benefits are not kid-exclusive. There are so many reasons to pick up an instrument as an adult. Take the plunge and start reaping the rewards.
Benefits For Children
Most parents who enroll their children in music lessons don’t realize the full advantages the training process has on their children’s overall development. Even if your child doesn’t choose a career as a musician, the benefits, skills, and positive impacts of music lessons are invaluable for the rest of his/her lifetime.
Here are some of the the benefits:
Concentration Skills
When taking music lessons and learning to play a musical instrument a child’s ability to focus is improved as the lesson requires ample concentration. They must also develop perseverance and patience to overcome challenges. These skills translate into various other aspects of life including focusing attention on subjects at school.
Hand-Eye Coordination
Hand-eye coordination is improved drastically by playing a musical instrument. Whether your child wishes to pursue music, become a brain surgeon, or a hockey player, strong hand-eye coordination will be a valuable skill in his/her life.
Problem Solving Skills
Playing an instrument presents the learner with several obstacles and difficulties to overcome. From mastering a composition to learning new chords, as well as overcoming stage-fright, this continuously evolving process stimulates and challenges the mind to grow.
Creativity
The greatest accomplishments come from creative minds. Creativity should be encouraged. The imagination of a child is very important for his/her cognitive development. Music lessons are an effective tool for creative and imaginative play. Writing new melodies and playing songs is a great way to encourage your child’s imagination and creativity.
Goal Setting
Musicians are very disciplined. They set goals for themselves for each month, week, and day that goes by. They are constantly looking at ways to improve themselves gradually as they are never satisfied with mediocrity. This is a skill not everyone possesses. This quality is also as important when it comes to other aspects of life.
Cultural Knowledge
During music lessons, children learn about different styles of music, the history of music, and the lives of composers. This knowledge makes them more well-rounded individuals.
Prevents or Delays Dementia Later in Life and enhances cognitive function
Recent scientific studies conclude that older adults that played a musical instrument as children, even if they stopped playing in adulthood, have lower rates of dementia later in life. They also outperform those that never played a musical instrument in many key cognitive function tests. This only includes musical instruments and does not include singing.
Cultural Knowledge
During music lessons, children learn about different styles of music, the history of music, and the lives of composers. This knowledge makes them more well-rounded individuals.
Math Skills
Interestingly, learning music also helps improve mathematical skills, particularly when learning rhythm and theory. This is because of the fact that music itself is entirely based on mathematical principles. Learning the theory and rhythm and then applying it to a creative outlet is a perfect way to disguise mathematics while making it fun.
In conclusion, children involved in music lessons gain all the above mentioned skills without even knowing it. Whether they are directly relevant to their future careers or not, these benefits prepare them to have successful lives.