Why Should I Learn an Instrument?
You’ve probably heard the phrase, ‘playing an instrument makes you smarter,’ but is there any truth to this? And is it really the only benefit?
Well, there are actually far more benefits to learning an instrument than you might originally think. Here are just 10 of them.
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MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND IMPROVE YOUR SOCIAL SKILLS
While you may practice alone, music is a very social activity. By joining bands you meet new people that you might never have crossed paths with, and it isn’t uncommon for the bonds you make at a community orchestra to grow into lifelong friendships. Additionally, by being exposed to such a wide variety of personality types it gives you the opportunity to improve your social skills and interactions.
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IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY
Scientific studies have shown that playing a musical instrument can improve your memory by up to 34%. In one study based around a group of preschool children, half were given keyboard lessons while they all completed the same preschool activities. At the end of the experimental period, each group was tested and it was found that the preschoolers with music lessons had spatial-temporal skills 34 percent more than those without, and furthermore, these results lasted into the long-term.
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SHARPEN YOUR CONCENTRATION
It takes a lot of concentration to play your instrument while simultaneously thinking about the tempo, dynamics, bowings, articulation while watching the music and getting all of the correct notes. And it takes even more when playing with a group. Not only do you have to listen to yourself, but the players surrounding your and work to blend with the sound of the whole.
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LEARN PERSISTENCE AND DETERMINATION
Learning an instrument takes a lot of hard work, persistence and determination. Many hours of your time will be invested in learning a new skill and without the persistence to keep practicing and the determination not to give up, your progress will slow. But these values are vital in life, after all, how did we learn to walk if not through trying again and again and practicing those skills. Learning an instrument is a sure way to instil these values in everything you do.
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INCREASE YOUR COORDINATION
Playing an instrument requires a great deal of coordination; moving both your hands (and sometimes your feet) while simultaneously watching your music and the conductor. Throw in breathing and tonguing or bowing and you’ve got a workout. It can seem like a lot, but multitasking is simply part of our fast-paced society. How often do we find ourselves trying to walk down the street, avoiding other pedestrians, while holding a conversation and checking the weather on our phones? Coordination is key.
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IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH/RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Playing flute is actually great for your respiratory system as it entails a great deal of breath support and control. Breathing exercises are very useful when mastering the flute and in turn prove very helpful for maintaining stamina on the sporting field or chasing an escaped $50 note.
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REDUCE STAGE FRIGHT
Stage fright can be a big issue for many people, and not just performing an instrument, but in public speaking in everyday situations as well. The more you play in front of others – in your bedroom, with an orchestra, during a solo – the more your stage fright will decrease until you hardly notice it at all.
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LEARN ORGANISATION AND TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Playing an instrument teaches you time management skills and organisation which are vital, no matter where you end up. When learning an instrument you have to leave time free to practice your instrument. You also have to plan ahead and know that if a concert is coming up, you won’t be able to leave assignments until the night before.
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RELIEVE STRESS AND HAVE FUN
Playing an instrument is often an escape for many people, a chance to relax and refuel away from the whirlwind of everyday life. It is also tremendous fun to play one of your favourite pieces, and even better when you finally get it right. It is a joyous feeling to play in an orchestra, to carry just one of the many harmony lines that weave together to create the final, all-encompassing picture.
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BOOST YOUR TEAM SKILLS
Playing in an orchestra is a team effort. Everyone works together under the guidance of the conductor and that is the only way such a sound can be produced. Even if only one person isn’t committed the music will fall apart. The skills learnt here are used everywhere in real life, from group discussions at work/school to working with friends to get a project done.