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It is no secret that being able to play a musical instrument is one of the sexiest skills there is. Let's face it, it just looks cool. But there are a number of added benefits to playing a musical instrument that are perhaps less obvious. Check out this gallery to discover why you should dust off that old guitar and start playing today!
Playing a musical instrument has been shown to increase important brain functions such as memory and abstract reasoning.
In fact, studies have shown that children who learn a musical instrument do significantly better at school.
So, if you’re looking for a fun way to improve those grades, consider picking up a guitar or even a violin.
As you become more competent, you will want to expand your repertoire.
Branching out is easy to do, since music is a diverse art form with hundreds of genres.
Discovering those genres will help you to explore the cultures in which they originated and better understand the diversity of the world around us.
One of the great things about playing a musical instrument is the opportunity to play with an orchestra or band.
While there are a number of solo instruments, the majority of instruments can be played as part of a group.
So if you’re looking for a great way to meet new people and expand your social circle, take up the violin, trumpet, or even the harmonica!
It has been scientifically proven that playing music lowers our blood pressure and heart rate.
Classical music is often thought to have the most calming effect, but any genre will do if classical is not your cup of tea.
Picking up an instrument can be a great stress-busting alternative for those who hate exercise.
As with doing anything creative, playing an instrument is enormously satisfying.
Whether you've mastered 'Chopsticks' or a Rachmaninoff concerto, nailing a piece that you were unable to yesterday will make you feel like you're on top of the world.
The sense of achievement felt when playing an instrument can give you a break when other areas of life perhaps aren’t going so well.
To play an instrument well requires a great amount of self-expression.
Training and perfecting the art is likely to give you more confidence to express yourself in other areas of life.
You don't need to play in front of other people for music to have this effect. Simply playing to yourself will make you more comfortable in your own skin.
It is no secret that playing a musical instrument requires dedication.
Unless you are a Mozart-esque prodigy, perfecting the art will take months, if not years, of regular practice and repetition.
Learning to be patient and stick at something when it’s difficult is an invaluable life skill. You’ll feel great when you finally master that piece you’ve been working on for weeks!
Research shows that there are links between learning a musical instrument and improved memory.
This is because playing an instrument requires you to use both sides of your brain, which helps to strengthen memory.
What better way to combat forgetfulness than plucking out a bass riff or two?
Playing a musical instrument requires us to isolate sounds as they occur.
For this reason, playing an instrument has been shown to improve fine hearing.
Research even shows that musicians are more able to identify particular voices and sounds when there is background noise.
Perhaps the most important reason of all is that playing an instrument is great fun.
Whatever level you’re at, playing a musical instrument is very engaging for the brain and will keep you feeling content.
So, what are you waiting for? Ditch the TV and social media and pick up an instrument today!
Click here for instruments you can easily learn and play.
10 reasons to learn a musical instrument
Evidence suggests we should all be taking up this great hobby
LIFESTYLE Learning
It is no secret that being able to play a musical instrument is one of the sexiest skills there is. Let's face it, it just looks cool. But there are a number of added benefits to playing a musical instrument that are perhaps less obvious. Check out this gallery to discover why you should dust off that old guitar and start playing today!