Music is a universal language that holds the incredible power to connect us as one and touch us deeply. Simply listening to music possesses the captivating ability to provide consolation during times of darkness, and ignite within us a plethora of emotions. But beyond the simple pleasure of listening - engaging with the music and being involved in the creation of these melodies represents a separate, yet equally profound, realm of expression. Playing and learning a musical instrument at some point in your life unfolds an abundance of benefits for your mental and emotional wellbeing, enriching your life and equipping you with a set of qualities that will be undeniably valuable to you for years and years to come.

 

To begin, playing a musical instrument stimulates practically every area of the brain at once, being comparable to a full-body workout, but for the brain. Musical training greatly improves functions like memory power, mental performance and reasoning skills. Because both hemispheres of the brain are required and used simultaneously, learning and playing music exercises the creativity and artistic abilities of the right side, as well as the mathematical, linguistic and scientific skills of the left side. As a result, the part of the brain that connects the two hemispheres, the corpus callosum, is said to be larger in musicians compared to non-musicians, allowing different information to be processed and for messages to get across the brain faster, and through more diverse routes. Because of this, the brains of musicians may have stronger executive functions which allow them to solve problems, retain and learn information, and make decisions more effectively and creatively

 

I often like to compare learning music to learning a language. When musicians read  sheet music, their brains engage in a complex process of interpreting and analyzing an arrangement of different notations and musical symbols, linking them to specific pitches, rhythms and dynamics. To be able to read this musical language and recognize notes, chords, scales and other elements is a cognitively demanding task that exercises the brain in unique ways, including the visual, motor and auditory regions at once. Neuroscientists have found that the artistic and aesthetic elements of playing a musical instrument are different from all other activities like sports, and even other types of art. Consequently, musicians often exhibit enhanced memory and multitasking skills, which benefit them in all aspects of their life. 

 

The process of learning how to play an instrument is not an easy task and to master it cultivates a range of crucial skills, including patience, perseverance and time-management. Musicians learn to keep motivated and embrace the journey of improvement, and understand that progress often comes in small increments over time. In order to encounter obstacles and difficulties, musicians must persist through these challenges to achieve proficiency. To fit practice sessions with other responsibilities and an often busy schedule, time-management becomes a necessary skill. Disciplined, structured practice and a consistent investment of time and effort is what allows an individual to learn a musical instrument and commit to the process. Musicians also have enhanced concentration, as the complex nature of music requires a high level of focus, training the mind to filter out distractions and stay immersed in the task, coordinating hand movements, maintaining tempo, and reading the notes. 

 

Aside from its cognitive enhancements, music is also linked to significant improvements to emotional well-being. Music provides a therapeutic outlet for self-expression, allowing individuals to convey their built-up emotions through playing and listening, lowering cortisol levels, evoking an overall sense of calm and improving one’s mood and emotional state. Music is a powerful tool to cope with sadness, anxiety and stress.

 

In conclusion, the multitude of benefits of learning and playing a musical instrument are compelling reasons for why all individuals should consider trying. As a pianist myself, I wholeheartedly urge everyone, if possible, to experience the rewarding outcomes, joy and personal growth that learning music can offer to you.