Long ago, the Chinese philosopher Confucius stated that “human nature cannot do without the kind of pleasure that music brings.” It has numerous advantages and can make you and those around you happy to play an instrument. In no particular order, the 5 benefits of playing an instrument listed in this article should increase your respect and sense of pride for music.
- Increases the memory’s storage capacity: According to studies, both listening to music and playing an instrument can boost memory by stimulating the brain. In a research study, 22 kids between the ages of 3 and 4 and a half received either singing lessons or piano instruction. A 15-child control group received no music instruction at all. The exact same preschool activities were completed by both groups. According to the findings, preschoolers who participated in weekly keyboard sessions saw a 34% greater improvement in their spatial-temporal abilities than the other kids. In addition, researchers claimed that the effect persisted over a long period of time.
- Improves performance abilities and lessens stage fear:
The ability to perform for an audience is a goal of intense instrument practice. Your stage fright will lessen the more often you perform in front of others. Because you’re not performing alone, playing on stage with a band or orchestra helps with stage fright. Also, getting up and performing in front of an audience is much simpler when you are prepared and truly understand your role.
- Enhances your ability to listen:
Although it should go without saying, playing an instrument demands that you pay close attention to everything. To correct yourself, you must develop your ability to hear when you are playing the incorrect note. Hearing whether the pitch you’re playing is high (sharp) or low (flat) requires tuning your instrument. You must pay attention to the melody when playing in an ensemble and play more softly if you are in the supporting section (accompaniment).
- Encourages self-expression and stress reduction:
You are free to perform anything you want on your instrument, as it is yours! The more proficient you get at playing an instrument, the more freedom you’ll have to perform what and how you choose. Music is an art form; just as an artist can depict their emotions on canvas, a musician can do the same when performing a song. This has a history of reducing stress and can be an excellent therapy. In fact, music therapy has proven effective in treating diseases in kids and teenagers, including melancholy and autism.
- Enhances reading and comprehension abilities:
Children exposed to a multi-year program of music instruction that involves instruction in increasingly complex rhythmic, tonal, and practical skills display superior cognitive performance in reading skills compared to their non-musically trained peers, claims a study published in the journal Psychology of Music.
As you can see, there are many advantages to learning an instrument, and maybe this will inspire you to keep practising and always value music. Consider the benefits whenever you face difficulties as a musician, and constantly remind yourself of all the wonderful reasons you enjoy playing. Charlie Parker, a jazz saxophonist and composer, once remarked that “music is your own experience, your thoughts, and your wisdom.” I’ll leave you with his wise words. It won’t come out of your mouth if you don’t live it.
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Writer:
Risalat Rahman Hridoy
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE