What Are the Benefits of Playing a Musical Instrument?

Being able to play any musical instrument is extremely satisfying. This includes everyone from the person who has mastered her instrument right down to the beginner who knows only a few chords. There are benefits to music that cannot be found elsewhere. Whether you're playing a tuba, guitar, bassoon, snare drum or piano, there is much to be gained by playing a musical instrument.

Treating Illness

Most of us just listen to music when we're either in the car, in front of the television or in the shower. But some doctors use music as a form of medicine or therapy. The emphasis in such methods is not on lyrics but on the music itself. Though most people don't need a study to realize it, classical music has calming effects on the mind and body. In particular, music has been found to reduce blood-pressure levels. Other studies suggest that there are positive effects from music therapy on children with Attention Deficit Disorder, insomnia, depression and even babies born prematurely.

Music is Empowering

There is something fantastic about being able to play an instrument; music allows musicians to express themselves in ways that language never could. Playing an instrument gives an outlet for your psyche's subliminal language in a way that might never be expressed elsewhere. Suddenly playing a chord in a different rhythm than what was learned turns it into the musician's personal voice. This lends power to the player in that he has a greater capacity for expression.

Releasing Creativity

Music can be an enormous vehicle to release creativity. It is always fun to sing a familiar song, but it's even more wonderful to be able to create a song, or any musical phrase, because it is the musician's own. And in creativity, we see the musician's personal innovation. Finding more room for creativity can leave players feeling as if there are alternatives to the set way of doing things (and not just musically). Through greater creativity, we learn to cope and thrive.

Stress and Patience

Two other big benefits of playing a musical instrument are stress and patience. Playing music naturally can soothe not only others, but the musician as well. Not only the actual sound of the instrument, but also the release of creativity and emotion, as well as the simple vibration of an instrument against a player's body can significantly lower a musician's stress level. Conversely, learning to play an instrument as a beginner or learning a new piece as a professional helps to expand a player's patience levels. To get a musical phrase or entire song down with as few mistakes as possible takes great focus and repetition, both of which contribute to patience.

Fun

Playing a musical instrument can be fun. Even after learning the simplest three chords, whole songs can be written. The songwriter Bob Dylan has written numerous well-known songs using only a few chords. There is nothing like the feeling of suddenly walking into a room and playing a song you just learned or wrote for a friend. You don't have to be Beethoven to appreciate the benefits. And it is nothing but fun to sit down with a couple of friends and play and sing a song. In this camaraderie there is an endless amount of discovery and laughs to be had.