What are the benefits of playing an instrument?

Question

I play piano and learning drums and I was wondering if there is any scientific research that will tell what the cognitive, spatial, and social benefits of playing a musical instrument.

Answer 1

I have a degree in Music Education, and we had a whole section of a class on just this subject. Music is the only activity you can do where you use 100% of your brain capacity. Learning music actually increases your IQ.

It benefits your cognitive abilities because you're accessing your emotions, uses math skills with counting and dynamics, you are artistic in your technique, you have to monitor your intonation, tone, volume, breath, techique, etc. all at the same time.

Spatially, it teaches you muscle memory, especially as a percussionist (not neccesarily as much if you're just a drummer).

Socially, it teaches you to move as one with other people. You learn respect for the director and to move as a team with your section and the band.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Cognitively I would say concentration and the ability to lock out the world around you. Great benefit when married. Also spatial and Social Benefits would be that you are very disciplined. That means you don't just go out with anyone. You would require at least a 6-figure income spouse. You are more likely to become a professional yourself as well. CEO, lawyer, psychiatrist, etc. You would be what they call a Type-A personality. Hyper and constantly achieving to do better and more.

Answer 3

There is something about learning to play instruments and being involved in music that makes you right with the universe.

I don't know exactly what it is, but it seems to make kids better as people and puts grown ups more 'in the groove.'

It also builds self discipline by knowing you are going to practice your instrument every day, etc.

It makes camaraderie among the band members because they actually depend on each other to do their part and know they are depended on.

Answer 4

first off, congrats on your musicianship. i heard that playing an instument helps to expand your mind. people look down on people who are in the band, but i loved it when i was in school. i played the saxophone and piano. to this day, i cant afford to buy neither one, so i feel that im missing something that i really love out of my life, but please continue to play the piano.

Answer 5

ermm... I gain confidence playing piano. And for sure it trains our brain either in movements and tempo. relaxation and be knowledgeable in area of musics and history