If you love music, and you’ve heard other people play, it’s probably crossed your mind once or twice to take up an instrument yourself. Perhaps you haven’t yet mustered up the courage to actually do so, but after these few pointers, you’ll pick up an instrument in no time!
Playing an instrument is actually not just about beautiful music, but it can be very beneficial for you, and here’s how.
Memory and Cognition
According to research, your brain is stimulated when listening to or playing music, and this can also increase your memory. If you take music lessons systematically, the positive effects for your memory may be long term.
Also, regularly playing an instrument has been shown to improve cognitive skills, and can, therefore, be used in therapy as well.
Perseverance and Discipline
Learning to play music takes time and hard work. It is rare that a person can play a new piece of music correctly. Therefore, learning to play a musical instrument will teach you invaluable skills regarding perseverance and discipline, as you will not always feel like practising.
Getting past the emotional response of not feeling like it, but doing it regardless, will stretch your patience, perseverance, and self-discipline. This can be fruitful in other areas of life as well!
Concentration
When playing an instrument, you will have to focus on many things at once. Pitch, rhythm, tempo, sound, etc. will require all your attention. Even more so if you’re playing in a musical assembly, as you will have to take into consideration other players as well.
Your level of concentration will sky-rocket, and you’ll be able to apply this new skill in other areas of life, just like perseverance and discipline above.
Performance
Get rid of that stage fright by purposely taking part in recitals and performances!
Happiness Booster
Playing music can become a way for you to express yourself where words can’t, a way to channel stress and happiness. Stress out, happiness in!