Playing a musical instrument has numerous benefits for our mind. From improving memory to reducing stress, the advantages of learning an instrument last a lifetime.

Whether a beginner or an experienced musician, the following are some ways in which music affects the mind:.

Improved Memory

Learning how to play an instrument can help improve memory and cognitive skills. The brain is divided into various sections that are each responsible for processing different types of information.

For example, the right hemisphere of the brain is responsible for processing spatial and visual information, while the left hemisphere is responsible for processing verbal information.

Playing an instrument helps strengthen the connection between the two hemispheres of the brain, leading to better memory and cognition.

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that adults who learned to play a musical instrument for six months had improvements in cognitive function and memory compared to those who did not play an instrument.

Reduced Stress

Playing music can reduce stress and anxiety. Listening to music has been shown to lower levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. The act of playing music has also been shown to reduce stress levels.

When we play music, our brains release dopamine, a chemical that gives us a feeling of pleasure and happiness. This same chemical is released during other pleasurable activities such as eating food or engaging in physical activity.

Better Brain Functioning

Playing an instrument helps improve brain functioning, especially in areas related to executive functioning and attention. Executive functioning refers to a set of cognitive skills that help us plan, organize and execute tasks.

These skills include working memory, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility.

A study published in the journal PLOS One found that playing a musical instrument was associated with better executive functioning and attention compared to those who did not play an instrument.

Musicians Have Larger Brains

Playing an instrument can actually change the structure of the brain. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that musicians have larger brains than non-musicians.

The study found that the amount of grey matter in the brain was greater in musicians than in non-musicians. Grey matter is the part of the brain responsible for processing information and controlling muscle movements.

Related Article Music and Intelligence: How Learning an Instrument Boosts Brain Function

Improved Communication Skills

Playing music can improve communication skills. Musicians are used to communicating with each other through the language of music. This ability to communicate with others can also transfer to verbal communication.

Playing an instrument can help improve language development in children.

A study published in the journal Psychology of Music found that children who took music lessons had better language development compared to children who did not take music lessons.

Musicians Are More Creative

Playing an instrument can help improve creativity. Musicians are constantly making new connections between different areas of the brain, which leads to greater creativity.

A study published in the journal Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts found that musical training was associated with higher levels of creativity compared to those who did not have musical training.

Improved Coordination

Playing a musical instrument can improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills. Musicians are constantly using their hands and fingers to play their instruments, which helps improve dexterity and fine motor skills.

A study published in the journal Neuropsychology found that musical training was associated with better finger dexterity compared to those who did not have musical training.

Improved Listening Skills

Playing an instrument can also improve listening skills. Musicians are trained to listen carefully to the sounds they are producing and to adjust their playing accordingly. This same skill can be transferred to listening to others.

A study published in the journal Psychology of Music found that playing an instrument was associated with better auditory discrimination skills compared to those who did not play an instrument.

Improved Math Skills

Learning music can also lead to improved math skills. Musicians use math concepts such as rhythm, counting, and fractions when playing their instruments.

A study published in the Journal of Research in Music Education found that children who had music lessons had better math skills compared to those who did not have music lessons.

Conclusion

Learning a musical instrument can have numerous benefits for the mind. From improving memory to reducing stress, the advantages of learning an instrument are clear.

Whether a beginner or an experienced musician, the benefits of playing an instrument are lifelong.