7 Reasons why it is essential to Learn a Musical Instrument
by Mark Hope, Principal teacher at MarkJoeHope Music.
For years, scientists and researchers have delved into the question: what does the human brain gain from learning a musical instrument? To answer, let’s first look at the brain as one of the most vital muscles in your body. Just as an athlete strengthens their muscles through regular training, your brain requires similar care and attention. People approach brain training in various ways—some read complex texts, others engage in cognitive brain games, or some might even learn a new language. Whatever method is used, the goal is the same: to keep the brain sharp and growing. Learning a musical instrument not only nurtures and challenges the brain, but it also positively impacts multiple cognitive and physical aspects of the human body.
1. Playing a Musical Instrument Improves Memory
One of the most well-documented benefits of learning a musical instrument is its positive effect on memory. Studies consistently show that music training improves both cognitive memory and muscle memory. Playing an instrument engages both hemispheres of the brain, thus increasing brain activity and enhancing memory capacity. According to Maestro Eduardo Marturet, research suggests that early participation in music helps boost memory and learning abilities by stimulating different patterns of brain development. In fact, music training has even been used in neuro-rehabilitation to help improve brain function after injury or illness.
Beyond improving short-term memory, musicians often develop stronger long-term memory as well. This is crucial not only for recalling information, but also for building complex mental pathways, improving the ability to retain information over time. For example, a pianist must remember patterns of notes, rhythms, and finger placements, all of which reinforce neural connections that aid memory recall. Studies have even shown that musicians have a stronger working memory, which is essential in problem-solving tasks and multitasking.
2. Music Helps Relieve Stress
Music’s unique power to evoke emotions is well-known—it can make us feel happy, calm, or even nostalgic. But it also plays an essential role in stress relief. Studies reveal that playing music can lower heart rate and blood pressure, thereby reducing cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promoting relaxation. While listening to music can certainly help alleviate stress, actively learning and playing an instrument adds an extra layer of comfort and routine, which is incredibly soothing. Psychologist Michael Jolkovski notes that music provides a healthy outlet for unwinding, offering a deeper connection to ourselves and others, unlike the passive escapes that often come with overeating, binge-watching TV, or mindlessly browsing the internet. Psychologist Jane Collingwood supports this idea, emphasizing that calming music, especially slow, quiet compositions, can slow your pulse, reduce blood pressure, and lower stress hormone levels—creating a deeply relaxing effect.
Moreover, learning an instrument provides a way to express emotions constructively, which is a powerful tool for emotional regulation. When faced with challenges or difficult emotions, playing music offers a way to release tension and articulate feelings that might be hard to express with words. It provides a sense of emotional release, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and frustration.
3.Improves your brain making you smarter!
Countless studies show that individuals with music training are often more academically successful than their peers. Children who learn an instrument tend to perform better in school, particularly in subjects like math and science. This can be attributed to the dual engagement of both hemispheres of the brain, which improves not only memory but also other cognitive abilities, such as abstract reasoning and problem-solving. A landmark study titled Music Training Causes Long-Term Enhancement of Preschool Children’s Spatial-Temporal Reasoning found that music training significantly outperformed computer-based training in enhancing abstract reasoning skills, which are crucial for learning mathematics and the sciences. Many of the most successful and intelligent individuals throughout history—Albert Einstein included—were deeply involved in music, and Einstein famously said, “Life without playing music is inconceivable to me… I see my life in terms of music… I get most joy in life out of music.”
Beyond its impact on academic success, music training can improve creative problem-solving. Music encourages thinking outside the box, allowing you to approach challenges from different perspectives. This is especially beneficial in fields that require innovative thinking, such as technology, art, and design.
4. It Builds Confidence and a Sense of Achievement
Learning a new skill requires practice and perseverance, and as with any new endeavor, the more you progress, the more confident you become. This applies to music as well. As you continue to learn an instrument and master new pieces, your confidence naturally grows. Music teacher Elizabeth Dotson-Westphalen explains that students often gain a sense of self-assurance once they can master a skill independently and see improvement. Performing in public also encourages this confidence, helping individuals become more comfortable with presentations and public speaking, which carries over into other areas of life, such as school exams or professional assessments. Additionally, the sense of accomplishment after perfecting a piece of music is immensely fulfilling. Pianist Emily Singers shares that there’s “no feeling like playing a difficult song flawlessly. It’s quite an ego-boost!” The confidence and self-pride cultivated through music often extend to other aspects of life, empowering you to take on new challenges and achieve more.
Moreover, the process of learning an instrument requires patience and resilience. You’ll inevitably face setbacks and frustration, but these challenges provide valuable life lessons. Overcoming obstacles, whether it’s mastering a difficult piece of music or learning new techniques, fosters a growth mindset and the belief that you can improve through effort.
5. It’s Fun!
While the scientific benefits of music training are numerous and well-supported, the most important reason to learn an instrument is that it’s genuinely enjoyable. Music is one of the most profound forms of art, and engaging with it brings immense joy and satisfaction. In a world filled with passive pastimes like TV or social media, learning a musical instrument is an active, creative pursuit that engages your brain and makes you happier. Music provides a healthy escape from the repetitive grind of everyday life and fills your time with something meaningful. It fosters joy, peace, and fulfillment—lifting both your spirit and the spirits of those around you.
There’s also something uniquely satisfying about creating music. The process of turning a blank sheet of music into a piece that expresses emotion and personality is incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re playing solo or collaborating with others, music allows you to connect with your emotions and with people in a way that other activities simply can’t match. It’s an experience that transcends words, offering a universal language for expression and connection.
6. Improves Physical Coordination and Motor Skills
Learning an instrument isn’t just good for your brain—it’s also beneficial for your physical health. Playing an instrument requires fine motor coordination, as well as hand-eye coordination, particularly for pianists, drummers, and string players. These physical skills can translate into improved dexterity and agility in daily life. For instance, drummers develop rhythm and coordination by maintaining complex patterns with their hands and feet, while pianists learn to simultaneously control both hands and feet.
Moreover, the act of playing an instrument strengthens neural pathways that link physical movement with mental processes, enhancing overall motor skills. This means that musicians often have superior hand-eye coordination compared to non-musicians, making them more adept at tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as typing or sports.
7. Fosters Social Connection and Collaboration
Music is inherently social, and learning an instrument opens up numerous opportunities for interaction with others. Whether you join a band, a choir, or simply jam with friends, music provides an excellent way to bond with like-minded individuals. Collaborative music-making encourages teamwork, communication, and the development of social skills.
Studies have also shown that group music activities can help build a sense of community and foster empathy. Playing music with others requires you to listen carefully, coordinate with their rhythms and melodies, and adjust your playing to fit in. This shared experience can create a deep sense of connection and promote positive emotional health.
Start Your Journey Today
Learning and instrument is fun and enjoyable and is well within your reach. With expert instruction, personalized lessons, and a supportive environment, Mark Joe Hope Music School is here to help you achieve your music goals.
Incorporating music into your life allows you to experience the world in a new, enriching way, making each day more vibrant and exciting. Don’t wait—book your first lesson today and take the first step toward transforming your music world. We can’t wait to help you shine!