One of the most unique abilities of humans is making music. It plays a huge role in culture and self-expression, but it can also transcend other divisions like race, age, and gender. Plus, it is simply fun, uplifting, and entertaining.
Music, or specifically playing an instrument, can have more benefits. It is also believed to be good for everybody’s health, be it physical, psychological, mental, or emotional. These advantages will be explored in full below.
Physical Benefits Of Playing an Instrument
Exercise
You cannot create music without using your muscles (even singing requires you to use your vocal cords), thus playing an instrument is a form of exercise.
If you sign up for classes at a Melbourne drum lessons studio, for example, you can expect quite a bit of an arm and leg workout and cardio exercise as well.
You can expect your heart rate to go up and your blood flow increasing while playing an instrument.
Lung Exercise
Playing wind instruments and singing are great for strengthening the lungs because one has to practice deep breathing. Over time, this strengthens the respiratory system.
Improved Hearing
As one learns how to play an instrument, the ear gets trained to pick out sounds and distinguish if they are in tune or not.
Better Motor Skills
Some instruments, like the guitar or piano, will require complex finger movements. In time, dexterity and flexibility, both important when it comes to motor skills, are developed.
Learning how to play a simple musical instrument can even be a form of physical therapy after a stroke or an accident.
Mental Benefits Of Playing an Instrument
Music has been shown to be good for the brain. Playing an instrument can also bring about similar advantages and even more.
Better Timing and Reaction Time
Following the right timing and tempo when playing an instrument can eventually improve one’s reaction times.
Improved Memory
Over time, pieces can be learned by heart, which has an extended effect on one’s memory.
Increased Coordination
The drums require coordinating the hands and feet. This takes a lot of practice but eventually, it will help improve coordination even while doing other tasks.
Better Concentration
Playing an instrument can be a good way of relieving stress and an effective way of blocking out external stimuli. Focusing on the piece and moving the hands and/or feet to play require a lot of focus. In fact, people with concentration issues like ADHD may benefit from music classes.
Fights Cognitive Decline
Music has been found to activate parts of the brain that are not as affected by diseases like Alzheimer’s. Thus, playing an instrument can keep their mind sharp.
Emotional Benefits Of Playing an Instrument
Composers and musicians write music to express their emotions and experiences, and this can help listeners relate or identify with them. It can even be an emotional outlet of sorts, although it can also bring joy.
Allows For Self-Expression
Emotions can be complex and some people find it hard to comprehend and express what they feel. In this case, playing a piece that relates to them can help release certain emotions and unburden them.
Sense of Achievement
Learning an instrument can be a challenge, and it can take a lot of time and effort before one really masters it. But once they can play one piece without mistakes, there is a sense of achievement and pride at what they accomplished. Even performing in front of others is a reason for pride.
Social Interaction
Whether in classes or as part of a band, playing an instrument allows one to interact with other musically-inclined individuals.
Better Mood Regulation
Playing music can be an outlet or a way to relax or even cheer oneself up.
Conclusion
The numerous benefits of music and playing an instrument are plentiful, which is why it is even used as part of therapy by medical professionals. But even without needing therapy, anyone can enjoy these benefits and learn something new.
