For many, music is a passion that governs every waking moment for those engaged with it.
It can provide an outlet for creative expression and a means to connect with others. It can be a source of great joy but also of incredible frustration.
It can be a solitary pursuit or a shared passion. It can be a source of income or simply a way to pass the time.
Read this guide on the top benefits of playing an instrument.
The Joy of Music
Nothing is more enjoyable than sitting down and playing your favorite tunes on your chosen musical instrument. Music has a way of reaching into our souls and connecting with us on a deeper level.
Though often underappreciated, playing an instrument has many benefits that positively impact our lives physically and mentally.
If you want these benefits, pick a musical instrument you are passionate about. For example, if you want to play the viola, go here for a guide to getting the best viola for you.
Physical Benefits
The physical benefits of playing an instrument are many and varied.
They include improved hand-eye coordination, increased lung capacity, and increased agility.
For example, you are constantly using your hands and eyes when you play an instrument like the piano or drums. This coordination between your hands and eyes helps to improve your overall coordination.
Playing an instrument strengthens the muscles used to breathe, leading to increased lung capacity. This, in turn, leads to better cardiovascular health.
Playing an instrument also helps improve fine motor skills, balance, and posture. For example, studies have shown that those who play instruments have increased reaction times and are better able to process information.
Cognitive Benefits
According to one study, playing a musical instrument can positively affect the brain, improving cognitive function.
When you play an instrument, you use various cognitive skills, such as motor control, planning, and sequencing. These skills are essential for everyday tasks such as driving and cooking.
One study found that musicians who started playing an instrument before age 7 had the most significant cognitive benefits. The hobby can improve your memory and increase your attention span. This is because playing an instrument helps to develop specific neural pathways in the brain that are responsible for processing music.
These pathways also aid in language processing, so playing an instrument can even help improve your reading skills.
Emotional Benefits
Playing an instrument can help you creatively express yourself, release stress and anxiety, and boost your mood and confidence.
You can do it in a way you may not be able to do with words alone. Through music, you can communicate your emotions and feelings.
Studies have shown that playing an instrument can also help to reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall mental health.
Start Playing an Instrument Today!
One of the best ways to improve your intelligence is to learn how to play an instrument.
Aside from making you more intelligent, playing an instrument has many other benefits. It can improve your memory, relieve stress, and even make you happier.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up that guitar or sit down at that piano and get playing!
Check out our blog for more great advice for adults and kids learning through music.