Piano with Michelle

From The Atlantic:

Few adults play musical instruments, and even fewer do so in a group, Caroline Mimbs Nyce writes. What health benefits might they be giving up? https://theatln.tc/oglkQfzJ

“Kids receive plenty of music education, but as people get older, they fall out of practice. Many stop picking up their instrument,” Nyce writes. “This is unfortunate, in part because plenty of research shows that adults could benefit from playing music.”

Playing music helps build larger brain networks and new pathways. “Musicians tend to have better attention than nonmusicians,” Nyce continues. “Banging on a drum or tooting a horn can also relieve stress, reduce burnout, and help with anxiety and depression. For older people specifically, research has shown potential cognitive benefits along with a possible decrease in dementia risk.”

Adults may be skipping out in part because music education is associated with childhood and coursework. And after people grow out of music education in their childhood, they tend to think that music is a special talent, Nyce writes, not something that just anybody can learn.

“Of course, people are busy; they simply may not have the luxury of sitting down to study Bach once a week, much less the money to pay for an instrument or private lessons,” Nyce writes.

Playing music in groups has additional benefits, such as allowing adults to feel more trusting of and connected to one another, and to the world in general. But while it’s easy to go to a park or gym and pull together a game of pickup basketball, “piecing together people at the same skill level to play a concerto or even just jam in a garage is another matter.”

Nyce herself recently began to play the recorder. “I plan to keep learning,” she writes, “not because it strengthens my neuropathways per se (though I certainly don’t mind that), but because making music, even when it’s silly—perhaps especially when it’s silly—is just a whole lot of fun.” https://theatln.tc/oglkQfzJ

📸: Photo Media / ClassicStock / Getty

25 Benefits of Taking Piano Lessons

Cognitive Benefits:

🎹 Enhanced brain function: Piano playing stimulates various brain areas, improving cognitive abilities.
🎹 Improved memory: Learning music helps strengthen memory, especially for verbal and spatial information.
🎹 Boosted creativity: Playing piano encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
🎹 Better focus and concentration: The discipline required for piano practice enhances focus and concentration.
Improved hand-eye coordination: The coordination needed to play the piano benefits overall motor skills.
🎹 Enhanced spatial reasoning: Understanding musical notation and keyboard layout improves spatial awareness.
🎹 Increased emotional intelligence: Music can help develop empathy and emotional understanding.
🎹 Improved academic performance: Studies suggest a correlation between music education and academic success.

Physical Benefits:

🎹 Fine motor skills: Piano playing refines fine motor skills, which is beneficial for handwriting and other tasks.
🎹 Stress reduction: Playing music can lower stress levels and promote relaxation.
🎹 Improved posture: Maintaining proper piano posture benefits overall physical health.
🎹 Increased hand strength: Regular practice can strengthen hand muscles.

Social Benefits:

🎹 Improved communication skills: Learning to express emotions through music enhances communication.
🎹 Enhanced teamwork: Group piano lessons foster cooperation and teamwork.
🎹 Increased self-confidence: Achieving goals in music can boost self-esteem.
🎹 Opportunities for social interaction: Playing in ensembles or performing can lead to new friendships.

Emotional Benefits:

🎹 An outlet for expression: Music provides a healthy outlet for expressing emotions.
🎹 Improved mood: Playing music can elevate mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or depression.
🎹 Sense of accomplishment: Mastering new pieces or techniques can provide a sense of achievement.
🎹 Increased resilience: Overcoming challenges in learning piano can build resilience.

Other Benefits:

🎹 Hobby and pastime: Playing the piano can be a lifelong hobby and source of enjoyment.
🎹 Potential career path: For talented musicians, piano playing can lead to professional opportunities.
🎹 Cultural appreciation: Learning music can broaden one's understanding of different cultures.
🎹 Improved listening skills: Musicians develop a keen ear for detail and nuance.
🎹 Lifelong learning: Piano lessons can foster a love of learning and exploration.

Copyright, Dr. Arthur George Scott, 2024.

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Getting some more games ready for my students! I’ve loved incorporating fun games to reinforce note reading and music theory and the kids love it too! 🎶🎹

https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/children-learning-musical-instruments-survey/

Nine in ten children want to learn a musical instrument, survey finds Research into children’s interest in learning a musical instrument finds that young children are keener than ever, but interest among older children is dwindling.