To play or not to play? This is the question.
Every budding musician has been asked this question. From family, friends, teachers, and even themselves. Perhaps you’re a parent, considering a music/instrument lesson for your little one?
Here we helpfully outline everything you have to know before making a decision.
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‘Everyone has lessons’
Music lessons are incredibly popular. Some kids are dreaming of it and some would rather do something else. What is best for your child? There isn’t right answer. However, there are so many benefits to gain from learning to play a musical instrument that will give your child the edge in an increasingly competitive world. -
‘You will be smarter’
It comes across a little bit ridiculous, I know, but it has been proven time and time again all over the world that learning to play any musical instrument increases cognitive ability and function. -
‘Discipline. Lessons = practice’
It isn’t easy to establish inner discipline in any environment but sooner or later it comes in handy. From getting to school on time, revising for an exam, to preparing work and job interviews. In order to achieve a goal, we all need to work systematically and hard. Music reaps many rewards in regards to discipline. Through systematic practice you can progress to harder pieces, pass grades or simply, just play your favourite piece or song. -
‘Think outside of the box’
Creativity is key! With music you can explore different cultures, styles or go back in time and have so much fun with good old Bach. It’s especially the case with percussion instruments. First of all, you can make everything into an instrument. Pots and pans with wooden spoons? Looks like a great first drum kit! By learning music, you can build wider horizons and see different solutions and options. When we create music, we use every part of the brain: left, right, front, and back. And then, all these parts build stronger connections and collaborate. Music is a rich, complex world which means it utilises every aspect of human personality. -
‘How can you remember it all?’
Music improves memory. To learn how to play you have to remember a lot! Learn how to read music (which is almost like an extra, new language), how to play your chosen instrument, chords, symbols, positions, terms and so much more! But because you will see it, feel it and hear it – it will be so much easier. Everyone starts out small, before working towards bigger, better things. Naturally, every person will develop a unique way to deal with so many information given at once. By learning these things your brain will become more ‘flexible’ to learning and that will make a big difference for your memory in the future. -
‘Breathe in, breathe out’
Modern life is stressful. We are always late, rushing from one place to another. We are surrounded by ‘you’re not enough’. Music has stress-busting qualities! Playing is an excellent form of relaxation and has a therapeutic role in everyday life. Playing for fun will naturally decrease anxiety and improve patience, which is beneficial for you and people around you. -
‘I can do it!!’
Of course, you can! Music builds confidence. Performing on stage from an early age improves self-esteem when it’s needed the most. Stage presence can be used in many situations, such as public speaking, job interviews and problem solving. If you can play it – you can do it! -
‘Well-oiled machine’
How do you squeeze music lessons into busy life? How will I practice when I have so many things to do! Developing time-management skills means that if you love playing music you will always find time to do it. You will have to prioritise what’s important sometimes, of course, as everyone leads a busy lifestyle. It’s amazing how much time we all have when we plan what to do and when to do it.
To play or not to play then? We have so many reasons why you should say YES. But above all – playing music should be fun!