Learning to play a musical instrument is great fun! In addition to being a fantastic way of having fun, learning to play an instrument also has a wide range of other benefits that help learners to grow in other areas of their lives. In this article, we will take a short look at our top 5 list.
Boosts Brain Power
Studies have shown that learning to play a musical instrument can increase brain development in children. It helps to improve areas such as language development, reading skills, concentration and memory skills. All of this growth from the fun and enjoyable of learning to play music!
Creativity and Innovation.
Music is a creative activity. Music education and lessons should nurture and inspire creativity in students at all levels and through many expressions. The skill of improvising and creating rhythms and melodies teaches our brains to think about information differently. When we can look at information or problems from several different viewpoints, we can “connect the dots” in ways others may not think of.
Dealing with Disappointment and Mistakes.
Mistakes happen. They are a necessary part of the learning process. We fall over learning to walk and crash into things learning to ride a bike. Its the same with learning an instrument. A student can set themselves a goal to achieve and begin to work (or practice) towards the goal. Along the way though, there will be some mistakes. Learning to handle these frequent and sometimes persistent mistakes develops a mature and healthy approach to personal growth. If you make a mistake in a performance, the performance needs to carry on, particularly if playing with others. Learning to adapt, overcome and learn from mistakes is an invaluable life skill that is developed every time someone picks up a musical instrument.
Increased Coordination.
Playing a musical instrument develops motor skills on many different levels. The technical requirements for correct technique or intonation can be very precise and playing with correct form and posture can also help to avoid injury. Many of these motions and movements take time to understand and develop and whilst they may seem too specific to have any benefit in wider life, these skills do increase a students self awareness and a sensitivity to their physical movements. The level and type of movement will vary based on the instrument being studied, but generally music students do increase their coordination through the course of lessons and performance.
Patience and Discipline
Learning an instrument is not a skill that can be learned overnight. Musical understanding is something that takes time, dedication and commitment to grow. The ability to keep practicing and keep learning that music students experience develops a strong sense of perseverance and self discipline. Both of these skills are needed to thrive in the ups and downs on life in our world today,
The late, great Sonny Igoe said “To study any kind of art form, is really to study oneself.” We believe this to be true. Whilst learning to play a musical instrument we learn so much about ourselves and the world around us that we are never really learning one isolated thing. This is just one reason we are so passionate about sharing music with our students here at The Drum Hub.
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