Learning a Musical Instrument

When I first started learning piano I struggled to understand why I needed to practice and what if anything I was going to get out of the whole experience. It wasn’t until I reached about Grade 5 standard, I sat down at the piano and realised that I could actually play, needing only a piece of music and a bit of time.

It is hard for a child just starting out to understand how happy they will be when they get a bit older and can not only play a musical instrument but play it well and with real emotion. They will eventually be able to interpret all those great classical composers and perhaps even create their own pieces.

Learning a musical instrument is known to increase the general IQ level of a child, sometimes by up to 7 points! In adults, learning an instrument keeps the brain and mind active and helps to keep concentration levels at their peak. In this era of quick living, TV channel hopping and convenience at our finger tips it is of great personal value to a child if he or she has developed the patience and long-term practice techniques essential for playing an instrument. These techniques learnt at music lessons will continue to be of benefit to the student throughout adult life.

Another great benefit of playing and learning a musical instrument is that it generally improves behaviour; it obligates students to trust (their teacher and other musicians), compromise and respect others. Children’s memory also benefits from musical training their brains are stimulated as they develop. In adults, learning a musical instrument can sometimes help prevent onset of forms of senility. Music making enhances brain power and keeps the mind alert and active.

The renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks says: “Music can move us to the heights or depths of emotion…It can get us dancing. But the power of music goes much, much further. Indeed music occupies more areas of our brain than language does – humans are a musical species.”