What benefits can music bring to our lives?
Music has been a part of our human existence since time began.
The results of thousands of world wide scientific studies have increased our understanding of the benefits we can gain by listening and practicing music.
Regardless of our age or previous knowledge, it can help us in many ways.
Learning to play an instrument is certainly challenging, however at the same time, it is a fun activity and one which benefits us physically, mentally and emotionally.
It is a well-known fact that playing music brings happiness and a sense of well-being, but there are many other lesser known benefits that can be gained from this ancient art.
Let’s start by looking at how it can help our little ones.
The perfect connection between music and children.
Children who have a strong connection with music will develop the following abilities faster:
Memory and Concentration
By practicing music children strengthen their powers to remember and reproduce musical sequences.
It is a fun activity that also reinforces concentration and memory.
Creativity
Several studies indicate that the practice and recognition of rhythmic and melodic patterns activates and therefore improves performance in the region of the brain linked to creativity and imagination.
This practice stimulates the creation of new ideas and mental processes.
Improve communication
Singing and repeating melodies and musical pieces enhances both spoken language and body language.
Music helps children develop language earlier and more effectively, as well as acquiring listening tools to achieve better forms of communication.
Intellectual development
Music perfectly complements the academic education of children.
It strengthens a better development and connection between both sides of the brain, by combining a creative and artistic activity with the effort of memorizing scores and keeping rhythm.
Sociability
For younger students, music classes are the ideal time to interact with other children and adults.
An environment of creativity and freedom is generated that fosters greater opportunities for social integration.
Discipline
Learning music takes a lot of practice and repetition.
It begins with simple exercises that are gradually built up eventually culminating in an interpretation of a complete piece. The student benefits from a routine that helps them strengthen their will and discipline.
Security and Increased Self-esteem
Musical learning promotes greater self-esteem in an organic and entertaining way.
By being part of a group that is capable of generating coordinated and harmonic sounds, both collectively and individually, a child’s emotional security and confidence are fundamentally strengthened.
It is a very enriching extracurricular activity for discipline, memory, confidence, creativity, intellectual development and sociability.
Most importantly of all, learning to play an instrument during the formative stages of childhood is fun and creates a sense of intrinsic well-being.
Benefits of Music for Adults
We can also benefit from musical art, as shown below.
Reduce anxiety
It has been shown that both listening to music and practicing it help to control the hormones related to stress and improve our mood.
The anxiety levels of everyday life are reduced.
Protect Against Premature Ageing of the Brain
According to several reports, practicing a musical instrument or singing helps reduce the effects of cognitive decline that are associated with aging, such as processing speed and memory loss.
In addition, it promotes a positive attitude that ultimately leads to greater happiness.
Boost Memory
When we make or listen to melodies, several areas in our brain are activated at the same time, which helps us to process information better.
Studies have confirmed that our ability to remember facts and both our short- and long-term memories are improved.
Reduce Pain
Music, when used in conjunction with certain therapies, can increase the release of endorphins, a hormone that acts in our body as a natural pain reliever.
This helps some pain become less acute and bearable.
Neurological Disorders
Songs and musical tones can be described as exercise for the brain.
Practicing this art increases neural communication, elasticity and flexibility. In addition, it helps and provides benefits in the prevention or treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and even Autism.
As we have seen, the potential benefits to our lives are extensive. Even though playing a musical instrument can seem difficult, demanding or very complicated at first,
it is important to remember the main benefit that music brings to people of any age: Happiness.
Music has the potential to make us feel good about ourselves, our surroundings and others. Learning music can be a truly life enhancing experience. It can provide us with a source of encouragement that will help us fill our lives with joy and personal growth.
The most difficult thing is making the decision to learn!
Cheerful Melodies!
