Why you should learn to play an instrument

    If you've been wanting to play an instrument for a long time, or thought the school band or orchestra looks cool, here's what you should say to convince your parents to let you try it out. Full disclaimer, I used other sources for some of the information I have here, but I wrote this entire argument myself!

The crowd goes wild! You stand there on the stage, mesmerized by this spectacular feeling that you are overwhelmed by. Everyone starts cheering “Let’s go band” and you can’t help but feel a sense of pride and togetherness. You think back and realize how grateful you are that you got to be a part of this enriching experience. And it was all because you learned an instrument.

Many people don’t ever get a chance to be part of something like this. Why? Because they don’t know the real facts. People think that music takes too much time and effort, is a waste, is stressful, is a distraction, is harmful to your health, is difficult, etc. Absolutely none of this is true. Music helps your brain, has health benefits, and builds confidence overall.

Music definitely helps your brain. Many people say that music is useless and not helpful; it takes up time and requires a lot of effort. Although, yes, at the beginning, you will have to put in some extra effort, after a month or so of lessons (or in many people’s cases watching youtube videos), you’ll realize that it’s not that bad! Picking up an instrument does require some passion, but no one is born with the skills. In terms of time, if you choose to invest in private lessons (in addition to school band practice or youtube videos), yes, you will have to work around your schedule. However, many people don’t end up taking private lessons, and even if you do, it’s always manageable. 

“What is it even for?” and “why does this matter?” are two commonly asked questions when it comes to band. Most people don’t realize that playing an instrument is one of the best things you can do for yourself. According to Eric Peterson, who is studying Social Sciences in UC Berkeley, playing an instrument improves your memory, improves your math skills (through the use of beats, measures, rhythms, etc.), improves your reading and comprehension skills, improves listening skills, improves muscle memory, and has many more benefits as well. In short, music is good for cognitive skills, physical skills, and your five senses. Additionally, according to Richard Alleyne, a Science Correspondent, playing an instrument can add seven points to your IQ!

Back in 2003, ABC Science conducted a study among school students. Half the students had some musical training, whereas the other half had not. The test involved reading a list of words to the students and asking them to recall the words after a short time had elapsed. The study found that the students who had been musically trained had a significantly better verbal memory than those that had not. Also, the more musical training they had, the more words they were able to recall.

Music has many health benefits as well. “Music is so stressful”, some might say. It’s actually the EXACT opposite. Music has an effect on our emotions and can make us happy or sad, but most definitely, less stressed. Music allows you to connect with others and take a break from the pressures of the world. Basically, playing an instrument is like a mental health break.

Some people are also scared that music will ruin their health due to excessive playing. Yes, you can harm yourself if you play for hours on end, but music drastically IMPROVES your health. Playing a wind instrument such as clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, tuba, etc., will cause your lung health to improve due to getting a “respiratory workout”, according to the Liverpool Academy of Music. In case of some instruments, you use your arm and back muscles to play and/or hold up the instruments. In addition, playing drums is equivalent to a cardio exercise! And according to an article by Live Science, making music “enhances the immunological response, which enables us to fight viruses”.

      Lastly “I’m scared I won’t do well”, is another response. To the contrary, playing music improves confidence and gives you a new sense of achievement. First of all, music imparts a sense of control and mastery, and can make one feel good about themself. Second of all, music involves being part of a group, which imparts a sense of belonging. Third of all, due to the high expectations you are given, you will feel more able and more skilled.

          Along with this, music produces patience and perseverance. Since you have to learn fingerings or chord shapes, develop technique, and memorize information, you will persevere towards goals and be more patient.

          Another interesting effect is that plants react well to music as well! Plants are said to grow better when exposed to music. If music can have such a ‘confidence boosting’ effect on plants, imagine the wonders it can work on human beings!

            Even after all of this, some people feel that music is a distraction and is a waste of time, especially compared to academics. If that was the case, then how come there are so many people who have gone on to achieve so much in their field of expertise, and at the same time, were into playing an instrument? Take, for example, Thomas Edison or Albert Einstein. Both were scientists, but were also known to be players of the piano. In fact, Albert Einstein played 2 instruments- the piano and the violin. According to Einstein himself, “ Life without playing music is inconceivable for me”.

             People like Neil Armstrong, Louis Braille, Charles Dickens, and Alexander Graham Bell all felt that it was worthwhile to learn to play an instrument or two. In fact, the Nobel Prize website even says “For many, the value of music is endless and scientists and Nobel Laureates are no exception. From seeing problems in a new way to fostering discipline, expressing creativity to working as a team, music has helped many laureates in both work and life”. 

            Finally, learning to play a musical instrument brings benefits not only to yourself but also to people all around you. Music is a universal language that can help people learn about themselves and also helps bring people together. Music has a very special power that brings joy, peace and happiness, and that helps in lifting the spirit and making life more enjoyable.