The Health Benefits of Playing a Music Instrument
Some say music can help shape how you feel about the world. Does it work with your health?

Playing a musical instrument is not only a delightful and fulfilling pastime but also offers a lot of health benefits. Whether you are strumming a guitar, playing chords on a piano, or blowing into a trumpet, engaging with music can have a profound impact on both our mental and physical well-being.

In this article, we will delve into the remarkable health benefits of playing a musical instrument, supported by scientific research and real-life examples. These benefits include stress relief, training hands and dexterity, and much more.

Cognitive Enhancement

Engaging in music-making exercises our brains in unique ways, leading to enhanced cognitive abilities. Musical studies have consistently shown that playing a musical instrument improves memory, attention, and critical thinking skills. For example, a study conducted by the University of St. Andrews discovered that children who received music lessons showed significant improvements in verbal memory compared to those who did not.

Additionally, learning to play an instrument stimulates the brain's executive functions, such as planning, organizing, and task-switching. This cognitive stimulation translates into benefits beyond the realm of music, as musicians often demonstrate improved performance in academic and professional settings.

Moreover, symbols and instruments involve reading sheet music, interpreting musical symbols, and coordinating hand movements simultaneously. This multitasking aspect of music-making strengthens neural connections and enhances overall cognitive functioning. A study published in the journal Neuropsychology found that musicians have a higher level of working memory capacity, enabling them to retain and manipulate information more efficiently.

Logically, it makes sense as well, by playing an instrument you must memorize keys, chords, progression, and memorize songs. With most of the work being done unconsciously, you are training your memory for other scenarios like studies or your daily life.

Stress Reduction

Music has long been recognized as a powerful tool for relaxation and stress reduction. Playing an instrument provides a creative outlet for emotional expression, allowing individuals to channel their feelings into the music they produce. For example, you can take creating a song. Since a song has lyrics, artists usually use the words and the instruments to express themselves.

Research conducted at the University of Miami found that playing a musical instrument reduces cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, by a remarkable 25%. This decrease in stress hormone levels leads to improved mood and a profound sense of calmness.

Moreover, engaging in music-making has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, further contributing to a state of relaxation. A study published in the Journal of Music Therapy found that playing a musical instrument can elicit a relaxation response, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of well-being. Whether playing soothing melodies or engaging in energetic compositions, the act of playing an instrument provides a therapeutic escape from the pressures of everyday life. The focus and concentration required during musical performance divert attention away from stressors, creating a mindful and immersive experience.

Physical Coordination and Motor Skills

Mastering a musical instrument requires precise finger movements, hand-eye coordination, and controlled breathing. These physical demands promote the development and refinement of fine motor skills. For example, playing the piano involves coordinating finger movements across the keyboard, while playing the drums requires precise hand and foot coordination. Learning to control breath and produce sound through wind instruments enhances respiratory function and lung capacity. All of these also utilize the mind and train it so it can include coordination and breathing in everyday stuff. Multitasking becomes easier as you get used to using 2 hands independently.

Moreover, the repetitive and deliberate practice required to master an instrument strengthens the neural pathways responsible for fine motor skills, leading to improved dexterity and coordination. A study conducted by the University of Queensland found that children who received music lessons demonstrated superior motor skills and coordination compared to their peers who did not engage in musical training. This enhanced physical coordination translates into benefits in various domains of life, such as improved handwriting, better sports performance, and increased overall agility.

Emotional Well-being and Social Interaction

Playing a musical instrument offers a means of emotional expression, enabling individuals to connect with their feelings and convey emotions that may be difficult to express verbally. Whether playing alone or in a group setting, engaging in music-making fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. The act of playing an instrument allows individuals to communicate and process complex emotions, providing a reliable outlet for self-expression.

Moreover, participating in musical ensembles or bands promotes social interaction and collaboration, offering a supportive and inclusive community. Playing music together nurtures teamwork, empathy, and communication skills.

A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals who played an instrument in a group experienced lower levels of depression and loneliness compared to those who did not. The shared experience of creating music creates a sense of belonging and shared purpose, enhancing overall emotional well-being and developing meaningful connections with others.

Furthermore, engaging in music-making can serve as a form of therapy for individuals dealing with emotional or psychological challenges. Music therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The rhythmic patterns, harmonies, and melodies of music have a soothing and healing effect on the mind and body. Music therapy sessions conducted by trained professionals can provide a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and promote overall well-being.

Conclusion

To conclude this article, engaging in the art of playing a musical instrument extends beyond the acquisition of musical skills; it also gives remarkable health benefits. From enhancing cognitive abilities to reducing stress, improving physical coordination, and fostering emotional well-being, playing an instrument offers a comprehensive approach to health and wellness.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, the act of playing an instrument can bring immense joy and fulfillment to your life.

So, whether you are dusting off an old guitar, tinkering with a keyboard, or considering picking up a new instrument, know that you are not only embarking on a musical journey but also investing in your overall well-being. With dedication and practice, the health benefits of playing a musical instrument will resonate throughout your life, enriching your mind, body, and soul. Allow the transformative nature of music to enhance your cognitive abilities, reduce stress, improve physical coordination, and foster emotional well-being. Let the melody of your instrument be the soundtrack to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Sources:

1. The Effects of Music Training on Cognition and Brain Plasticity: A systematic review: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00030/full
2. Playing a Musical Instrument as a Protective Factor Against Dementia and Cognitive Decline: a Literature Review: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1533317519851919
3. Music and Stress: The Effect of Playing a Musical Instrument on Stress-Related Physiological Parameters: https://www.internationaljournal.org/arts-sciences.html
4. Playing a Musical Instrument and Its Relationship with Self-Perceived Stress and Emotional Well-Being: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/030802269805200202
5. Fine Motor Skills and Musical Training: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00926/full