16 Sep The Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument

There was a hard and fast rule in our family when we were growing up. My parents insisted that everyone take piano lessons for at least one year. At the end of the year, you could either quit if you hated it, continue if you loved it, or change instruments and try something new. I decided to stay with the piano – and what began as a requirement became an enjoyment. I didn’t know the benefits of learning a musical instrument, but looking back, it seems that my parents did.

Over time, playing the piano became a form of stress relief for me. When I got home from school, I would sit down to practice, but would often end up playing just for enjoyment. As I began to experience the stress of college, I would often take a break from reading and studying to play. The benefits of learning a musical instrument in my childhood followed me into adulthood.

Learning a Musical Instrument Has Many Benefits

It’s no secret that learning to play a musical instrument has many benefits. I knew it as a child when I felt the stress drain from my body as I played. As I playing the piano in church, I recognized the benefits as I witnessed the joy that it gave others. I used this knowledge while getting my degree, finding an escape from the rigors of Nursing school.

Science supports this understanding as well. Research shows that learning a musical instrument can improve mental health throughout the lifespan, it can increase academic performance, and improve social skills.

Learning a Msical Instrument can Improve Mental Health

Did you know that learning and playing a musical instrument can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation? It helps to improve sleep quality and concentration levels, and can even lower the heart rate and blood pressure. All of these benefits can lead to overall improved mental health.

One study looked specifically at homeschool students who were learning a musical instrument. It found that they had significantly lower stress levels, anxiety and depression than homeschool students that were not learning a musical instrument. In addition, the study found that homeschool students who were taking music lessons also had higher self-esteem and were more socially adjusted than those who were not taking music lessons.

During the pandemic, we saw many turn to music in an effort to maintain their mental health. It turns out that this too, is supported by science. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that music education and appreciation can significantly improve emotional well-being in children, particularly during the pandemic.

Learning a Musical Instrument can Improve Academic Performance

Learning a musical instrument can also increase academic performance. One study conducted by the University of Texas found that students who were learning a musical instrument had higher GPAs than students who were not learning a musical instrument. The study also found that students who were learning a musical instrument were more likely to graduate from college.

Numerous studies have shown that children who learn to play a musical instrument perform better in school. In one study, students who took music lessons showed higher math and reading scores than those who did not take music lessons. The reason for this improved school performance is not entirely clear, but it may be due to the fact that learning to play an instrument requires discipline and practice, two qualities that are important for success in school.

Learning a Musical Instrument Can Improve Social Skills

A study conducted by the University of Kansas found that students who were learning a musical instrument were more likely to have better social skills than students who were not learning a musical instrument. The study found that students who were learning a musical instrument also had better communication skills and teamwork skills. Learning to play an instrument requires cooperation and teamwork, both of which are important social skills. It is also a means of expression, has the ability to evoke emotion and connect people on a deeper level. Playing in a band or orchestra gives children the opportunity to make new friends and build relationships. These social skills will benefit children throughout their lives.

It’s Time to Start Learning an Instrument!

Every year, I have planned to follow my parents’ rule, and require that my children take piano lessons. Yet every year, I have allowed them to talk me out of it. Knowing the benefits, which have been proven in scientific studies, I think it’s time we change this. One of the many reasons that we homeschool our children is to ensure that they have access to a well-rounded education. Part of this is learning to play a musical instrument. If you haven’t already, maybe it’s time to enroll your children in music lessons so that they can reap the benefits of learning a musical instrument.