“Music gives a soul to the universe,
wings to the mind, flight to the imagination,
and life to everything.” – Plato.
Throughout time, music has inspired people of all ages from every part of the world. Music is an integral part of life, whether used to pass down cultural history, move a plot forward, or provide entertainment or background noise. Though we can all agree that listening to music has its benefits, there are plenty of reasons to start playing an instrument at any age!
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 benefits you can experience from playing an instrument (even if you’re not a pro!).
10. Social Benefits – Playing an instrument opens the doors to all kinds of new social experiences and an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. From community orchestras to traditional jam sessions and jazz bands, there are many healthy and constructive ways to meet new people and build friendships and networks.
9. Travel Opportunities – Whether it is through school, work, or just visiting friends, the musical community offers many opportunities to travel within the country or abroad. Youth orchestras, school orchestras, and paid performing groups are often invited to perform in competitions or festivals, usually with all or most expenses paid. Summer camps and seasonal festivals for youths and adults are held worldwide and offer unique opportunities to build friendships with fellow musicians from all over.
8. Scholarship Opportunities – This one is not just for the music majors! Many colleges and universities offer scholarships to any students who wish to participate in their band or orchestra. As a bonus, participation in a diverse hobby, especially orchestra-related, looks great on your resume!
7. Rewarding Career Opportunities – A career in music doesn’t just mean performing! Although there are lots of orchestras, bands, and solo gigs available, they are by no means the only kind of job for a musician. Music therapy offers a route for those musicians who are interested in entering the medical field. Management positions are available at most performance venues and music shops, and coordinator positions often present themselves at music venues, event planning, and performing arts groups. And let’s not forget about our instrument makers and repair people (luthiers)!
6. Good posture – Playing an instrument properly requires good posture. The repeated practice of good posture carries over into your everyday life and can reduce repetitive stress injuries caused by poor posture at work. Having good posture helps improve blood flow, strengthens muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and reduces neck and back pain.
5. Increased language skills – A musician’s increased comprehension of rhythms and aural skills allows them to recognize someone’s vocal tone more easily and pick up languages more quickly. This can be an invaluable asset in interpersonal relationships. Additionally, speaking multiple languages can be a bonus at work or when traveling in a foreign country.
4. Stress Relief and creative outlet – In today’s workforce, most jobs are desk or data-oriented without many opportunities for a creative outlet. Playing an instrument is an excellent way to blow off some stress in a productive and rewarding manner. Many social opportunities in the musical world offer an additional outlet for stress.
3. Health benefits – Playing an instrument isn’t just fun; it’s healthy! In addition to the benefits gained from developing good posture, studies have indicated playing an instrument lowers blood pressure, decreases heart rate, and lessens anxiety and depression. There is also increasing evidence that playing an instrument enhances the body’s immunological response. And if just the health benefits weren’t enough, playing an instrument is good for your brain as well!
2. Increased IQ, comprehension skills, and concentration – Studies performed by the University of Zurich indicated that playing a musical instrument, regardless of age, can increase a person’s IQ by an average of 7 points! Although this is a pretty big impact, it’s not just your IQ that’s affected. All that practice to make perfect also increases your comprehension and concentration skills!
1. Long-Term Cognitive Benefits – Remember that increased IQ from #2? Well, those points are here to stay! Studies have indicated that the cognitive benefits from playing an instrument are retained, even after someone has stopped playing regularly. Playing an instrument or having played an instrument can also help a patient’s brain recover from a stroke and slow the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
With so many great benefits, why wouldn’t you want to start playing an instrument? Due to the recent availability of quality handmade instruments at affordable prices, many people are calling this the second golden age for orchestral string instruments. So why not <contact> us to start your musical journey today?
Do you already play an instrument? Comment below and share the story of how playing an instrument has enriched your life! We would love to hear your success story!
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