7 Benefits of Learning To Play a Musical Instrument

Have you been thinking about taking up a new hobby? Have you always wanted to learn how to play an instrument? Did you know that learning to play a musical instrument provides people with a wide variety of benefits that range from more confidence to stress reduction? It’s never too late to learn a new skill, so pick up a flute, pull up a piano bench, or grab some drumsticks to start your musical journey.

1. You Can Learn To Play a Variety of Songs

Whether you’re starting with easy flute sheet music or planning to take up contemporary piano music, learning how to play a musical instrument introduces you to a wide variety of songs. From classical music to covers of some of the most popular songs in history, there is a wide variety of options. You’ll be able to stick to your favorite genres or branch out and learn different types of music depending on your comfort levels.

2. You May See a Reduction in Stress

According to a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, people who listen to or play relaxing music when they are dealing with stress often see a significantly lower cortisol level than those who do not use music when they are stressed. If you’re having a rough time in school, dealing with a big project at work, or are simply feeling a little overwhelmed by life, learning to play an instrument can help you to feel more relaxed.

3. You May Improve Your Intelligence

Musical training has been shown to improve brain function in both children and adults. If you decide to learn a musical instrument, you’ll put your brain to work at improving several important functions, including abstract reasoning skills and memory. Each of these areas of your brain functions is important for improving your skills in math and science. If you need proof, just look at Albert Einstein. One of the smartest men ever to live, he was also a huge fan of all types of music.

4. You Can Make New Friends

When you learn to play an instrument, you may decide to join bands or otherwise show off your talents. Chances are you’ll also make many new friends along the way. People who learn to play the flute, the piano, or any other instrument often make lifelong friends who are in their lives for many years to come. You will likely find that you have even more than music in common.

5. You May Learn To Be More Patient

Learning to play an instrument takes plenty of time and patience. You’ll need to learn the notes, how to read music, and where to place your hands on the instrument. Because learning to make music requires both your mind and body, you’ll learn more about patience and coordination. When you pick up such skills as you’re learning an instrument, you’ll usually find that you can apply them in other areas of life as well.

6. You’ll Likely Gain More Confidence

Learning to do something new, especially if you learn to do it well, can help you to gain more confidence in yourself. You’ll learn more about self-expression and playing the music that you love, and when you perform with others and for others, you’ll learn that making music makes other people happy as well. Many people find that becoming confident due to music carries over into other parts of their lives, such as making presentations for work.

7. You’ll Become More Creative

Learning to play a musical instrument has been known to boost creativity. Studies show that people who learn to play musical instruments are more creative in other areas of their lives as well, such as writing, art, cooking, and even problem-solving. By learning how to play an instrument, you help to open up the creative parts of your brain and may even find a solution to that big work problem that’s been in the back of your mind.

There are a number of ways that you can learn a musical instrument. Online courses let you learn at your own pace, or if you’d prefer, an in-person instructor can teach you one-on-one or in a group setting. The key is to find the type of instruction that works for you so that you reap as many benefits as possible.

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