4 Reasons to take up an instrument
So we have all been in that situation where we see a video online of some 5 year old who can play piano to a level that you feel would require 600 fingers and a UV drip filled with blue mountain espresso to achieve.
Most people would leave it at that, some may decide to dig out the old keyboard from under the bed and attempt to tap out Heart and Soul or Fur Elise with renewed motivation and joy.
There are so many benefits that can come from learning an instrument, like really learning; even as an adult. My experience of learning piano (or any instrument for that matter) brought so much joy and satisfaction in my life.
I truly believe that it can do the same for others, whether you learn piano or another instrument, it’s all relevant. And here are are my reasons for sticking to it...
It relieves stress.Seriously, I have lost count of the times that irritability began to consume my entire being (but I guess that is what you get, having to share a bathroom with 3 other people #firstworldproblems #notarealproblem #probablymoreofamildannoyancethanaproblem) and 10 minutes tinkering away at the piano totally soothed me.
Through all of my GCSE and A level revision, regular piano breaks stopped me from going over the edge and really helped me to refocus. I didn’t even feel guilty whilst taking said breaks as I wasn’t wasting my time, I was: improving myself by maintaining my repertoire, using both sides of my brain AT THE SAME TIME (seriously, google it) and I was also expanding and adding to my 10-years-in-the-making party trick.
It actually makes you smarter. Pretty sure that science agrees with this statement and I can seriously vouch for that fact.
When I took up piano my academic grades moved from average to very much above average...in every subject. Works wonders on the brain, music does, it gives you an edge. I found that I was able to concentrate better, I was more disciplined and productive. It also did wonders for my self esteem because the hard work payed off and I finally had something that I was good at.
"Music has the unique ability to go through alternative channels and connect different sections of the brain."- Gottfried Schlaug, MD, PhD
But if you don’t believe me, check out this brilliant article in Psychology today here:
It’s a great party trick. How many times have you been at a party or event and there happens to be a piano tucked away in plain sight? Now imagine if you had a couple of singalong pieces that you could play for both yourself and the guests.
You could be the LIFE of that party.
Yes...
YOU!
Or if you are more of an introverted snowflake like myself then playing piano is a GREAT way to avoid talking to people for a few minutes so you can relax and recharge. Or perhaps you can use it as an ice breaker to start a conversation or to get people to come to you if you are nervous to approach others.
It is an ally to mindfulness. Many of us today are constantly distracted by the constant ringing's and pinging’s of social media and miscellaneous messages of some description; and so we try to unplug for an evening. But all of those seconds typically spent scrolling now need to be harnessed into doing something both productive AND enjoyable. If not, you’ll be back to minding your notifications before the hour is out. However, if you spend that time looking through a music book, playing a memorised piece or even composing your own; you will find that the time flies very quickly.
When I was at high school I found that playing piano for an hour first thing in the morning, before I even got dressed helped to ground me into the real world before my day even started.
I mean, bear in mind that helped me but you don’t have to play for an hour, you could play for 15 minutes and then go and brush your teeth or whatever you do at the beginning of your regular morning routine.
I hope that this article has sparked your motivation furnace and encouraged you to try learning an instrument. Its good to remember that when learning an instrument, it is important to find enjoyment the process and the journey for yourself or if you are thinking of getting your kids some lessons.
If you would like to have a tester of an online piano lesson for FREE, click here to fill out my availability form.
Before you start lessons though, I highly recommend incorporating music into your home life to help them to start practicing for fun.
Some wonder how this can be done.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered though. Sign up to my newsletter to receive my PDF: “Music For the non musical parent” designed to help parents to incorporate more music into your day to day family lifestyle in 3 steps.
Music for the non-musical
Incorporate more music into your family lifestyle in 3 steps
What next?
Check out this article: Online Piano Lessons-Are they worth it?
