Anyone who studied music knows that learning an instrument is so much more than meets the eye. The discipline and perseverance involved ultimately make you a better person in life, and here’s why:
Learning How to Learn
Research has shown that the best way to learn is through spaced repetition–repeating a few times across several days as opposed to all in one sitting–and active learning, or engaging directly with the skill you are learning. Learning an instrument incorporates both of these skills, as practice is done in smaller increments across several days and you are both learning to read music and simultaneously putting those skills into practice while playing. Students can then apply these good habits into learning other skills!
Time Management
All those practice sessions take time, and often a student may only have 20 to 30 minutes to fit in a practice session. Students learn how to divide up their time for practice to be most effective in helping them reach their goals.
Confidence
What better confidence booster is there than putting the work in and achieving a piece of music or a particular skill you want to master? When students learn difficult skills, they feel they can take on the world!
Perseverance
Learning an instrument takes a lot of time and dedication, and you have to start small in order to reach your long term goals. For the piano student who wants to someday learn Für Elise, they will need to persevere through learning a multitude of skills necessary to perform it.
Focus
Practice sessions and performing are both physically and mentally demanding. Music students train their brains to pay very close attention to tiny details while they are playing, from perfecting a crescendo to nailing a difficult finger combination.
Creativity
Of course one of the most enticing and rewarding things about being a musician is the creative outlet. Once a student perseveres through learning the basics is when the real fun begins, and they can create their own pieces or interpret existing pieces in unique ways.
Theory of Mind
Theory of Mind is the ability to put yourself in someone else’s perspective. Musicians often do this when preparing for a performance, recording or listening to their playing from the perspective of the audience member and asking themselves what sounds best.
Learning an instrument not only rewarding, but it has a multitude of benefits beyond simply playing an instrument. Students are able to take the lessons learned into every aspect of their life, no matter where they end up. And of course, we certainly hope they continue to make music!