A survey conducted on behalf of Guitar Center suggests that only 24% of Americans can play an instrument. Yet, further data shows that more than 80% of parents want their children to learn to play an instrument.
It makes sense considering music lessons have several benefits. But, if you don’t take instrument lessons until adulthood, you can still harness those benefits and apply them to other aspects of your life.
To learn more about these benefits, continue reading.
Instill Discipline and Patience
Learning an instrument takes a considerable amount of time.
First, you need to learn how to read music. Should you be learning the treble clef or bass clef? The instrument you want to play will help you with this.
Then, there are basic actions you need to learn, such as how to hold a violin or the amount of air to blow into the clarinet to produce the right sounds.
There are no shortcuts when learning an instrument. Musical training of any kind requires hours of concentration and patience. To become a well-rounded player, you must dedicate time to fine-tune your skills.
Inspire Confidence
The confidence you gain from perfecting a challenging passage, learning a new piece, or performing a recital is almost unmatched. Sure, children can experience confidence in school and adults in their careers. But there is often a control element missing in these settings.
When playing an instrument, you have control over your destiny. Your hard work will lead to a rush of confidence from doing a spectacular job.
Plus, you have a sense of community when you play in an orchestra or band. You learn to function well with others because you must listen and respond to other musicians.
Boost Cognitive Function and Motor Skills
Evidence shows that musicians score higher in the following than non-musicians:
- Attention skills
- General intelligence
- Verbal intelligence
- Working memory
Scientists have seen cognitive function improvements in children and adults who take music lessons. Music is a system that involves mathematics, theories, and quick decision-making. It’s no small feat!
Data also suggests that playing an instrument can increase your IQ within the first few weeks of taking lessons.
Further, when playing an instrument, you need to harmonize your finger movements, body movements, and breath. Therefore, motor coordination is most important when mastering an instrument.
Build Social Skills
Playing in a group allows you to meet new people over time. And while it’s great to make friends, you also learn how to achieve a common goal. You’ll have to exercise tolerance and patience with your peers while encouraging the group to continue working toward success.
Sign Up for Music Lessons Today
Instilling disciple and patience, inspiring confidence, boosting cognitive function and motor skills, and building social skills are just some of the many benefits of music lessons. You can discover more when you start your classes!
If you’re ready to begin, sign up for a free trial lesson. At Music Lab Northridge, we have a music teacher available for almost any instrument you want to play.