Music is the essence of life. We’ve all dreamt of playing our favorite songs and rocking the stage, but many think it’s too late to learn a musical instrument. Well, we’re here to tell you otherwise. If you go to a studio to learn an instrument, you’ll find many adults starting to learn. While faster learning is an advantage for youngsters, older people who are more motivated and committed enough can successfully learn a musical instrument as well. Whether you’re old or young, learning an instrument provides many benefits. Here are 6 reasons why it’s a good idea to learn a musical instrument regardless of your age.
- You’ll Appreciate Your Favorite Music Even More
After learning to play an instrument for a while, you will have a better understanding of scales, harmonies, and rhythms. When you learn more about how music is made and what goes into the process, you will have a new-found appreciation for your favorite songs. At some point, you will even start playing those songs in addition to new tunes as well. You can record your music and share it with the world, too. Recording music isn’t an expensive or complicated process as this review demonstrates. There are plenty of affordable low- and mid-range microphones on the market that will enable you to record both vocals and instruments in high quality.
2. Improves Physical and Cognitive Functions
Learning a musical instrument has many benefits for the brain. It can improve both your cognitive and muscle memory because when you play music, you use both the left and right parts of your brain, which strengthens your memory. Additionally, learning a musical instrument improves hand-eye coordination because you will be using your hand, eyes, and mind when playing. It is basically like a workout for your brain.
3. Promotes Self-Development and Self-Expression
When you learn an instrument, you put a lot of effort into it, which, in turn, helps in developing your character. Mastering an instrument doesn’t happen overnight, which will inevitably teach you patience and perseverance. Furthermore, committing to practicing an instrument will teach you discipline, and adding the daily practice session to your routine will teach you time-management.
Creativity is an important aspect of music; you will find your creativity coming into play when you add your touch to renowned pieces or even create your own. Learning music is an outlet to let out parts of yourself that you didn’t know you had, it has the power to make you understand and discover yourself.
4. Provides a Sense of Achievement and Confidence
When you spend hours and hours learning a piece and then start to see yourself nailing it, you will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Setting goals, like memorizing a melody or playing a scale, and achieving them naturally gives you a sense of achievement. You will begin believing in yourself and in your ability to work hard and overcome obstacles. Playing your music for friends, family, or just your teacher will also increase self-confidence. You will start getting over shyness and stage-fright and, in turn, you will be able to perform for a crowd.
Music has the magical ability to relieve stress, as scientists have discovered that types of music, like classical and mellow music, lower heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones. Studies show that music elevates mental health and that musicians are less likely to be angry or depressed, which can be explained by the fact that music teaches concentration and emotional control. Musicians are also less prone to stress-related symptoms like headaches, burnouts, and lower immune functions, as playing an instrument provides relief and a healthy way to blow off some steam.
6. Fun and Enjoyable!
The benefits of playing music combined with all the fun it provides make learning an instrument the perfect hobby. Hearing yourself producing those notes can certainly make you happier and more satisfied. Nothing comes close to feeling the rhythm and groove of playing music. After some time practicing, you will find yourself choosing to take out your instrument and jam just to have fun and not to try and improve.
We can go on forever about all the benefits of playing music, but at the end of the day, loving music and wanting to experience it is a good enough reason to start learning how to play a musical instrument. You will be doing yourself a favor as you will improve your understanding of music and start using it to express yourself. Playing music also improves your memory, brain functions, and coordination. You will become better at disciplining yourself, managing your time, and being patient. Moreover, you will gain lots of confidence and have a healthy outlet to relieve the stresses of everyday life as you get lost in the melody and rhythm. It’s never too late to start playing an instrument, so what are you waiting for?