Music is powerful and universal. Playing music has numerous benefits for everyone. Whether young or old, anyone can take up the timeless instrument.
We can tell you a thousand and one reasons why you should start playing the piano, but it might sound a little biased.
If you have been thinking about learning how to play, we have compiled these ten benefits of playing the piano for you.
1. Improves Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination
Playing the piano is a workout all on its own. Learning to play requires one or both hands, read sheet music, and work the pedals all at the same time.
Regularly playing the piano develops various physical and psychological benefits for those who play.
This includes fine motor skills, improved hand-eye coordination, and dexterity. Dexterity means the skill in performing tasks, especially with hands.
Playing the piano helps develop ambidexterity. This means you can use both hands equally well.
In fact, those who play have strengthened hand muscles seasoned by hours of practicing scales and new music pieces.
Did You Know? Being ambidextrous improves reaction time, athleticism, and agility, which are all important life skills.
2. Promotes Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
The pituitary gland produces Human Growth Hormones (HGH). They trigger growth in children and adolescents.
A study has found students who take keyboard lessons have increased levels of growth hormones in their system.
It has been seen to slow the adverse effects of aging in older adults, as well. These hormones keep energy levels up and prevent body aches and pains in old age.
3. Boosts Creativity
There is something about playing the piano that influences the brain in a great way.
Playing the piano is an incomparable outlet for those seeking creative expression.
Studies show that while playing piano, improvisation ability increases, creating unique, original sound and style for every pianist.
The piano was designed to reflect human emotion through music. It is no wonder that those playing the piano are way more creative than their non-musical counterparts.
4. Relieves Stress & Improves Mental Health
People who play the piano benefit from less anxiety, loneliness, and depression.
A 2013 study published by the National Library of Medicine discovered that playing piano treats depression and alleviates stress in adults.
Learning to play has been proven a natural way to lower blood pressure and increase immune response.
The study also encourages people of all ages, especially children, to play the piano for improved self-esteem and better mental health.
When you progress from playing with one hand to two hands, your confidence will grow. Being a part of piano recitals or playing some songs in front of a few people eliminates stage fright, increasing self-esteem over time.
For older adults, music is a great way to combat loneliness by having a shared interest with other people and building a community.
Did You Know? Piano lessons and playing the piano are therapy for people with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
5. Sharpens Your Concentration Skills (Split Concentration)
Split concentration is also called divided attention.
Being adept at having divided attention is an important skill in our lives as it enables us to perform tasks efficiently and quickly.
Those who play the piano have great multitasking skills. They are listening to the rhythm and tempo, reading their music sheets, and their body posture.
Playing the piano is a full-body brain workout. It engages all the areas of the brain simultaneously.
A study conducted revealed that children who play an instrument for 20-30 minutes each day benefit from their multitasking skills in education and personal lives.
Did you know that Practicing music at an early age structurally changes the brain for the rest of your life.
6. Neuroplasticity & Boosts in Abstract Reasoning
Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections.
Forming synapses and connections in the brain means being more mentally alert and responsive. A sharp mind and strong memory depend on the vitality of these synaptic connections.
Playing a music piece on the piano adds neural connections, which primes the brain for improved memory, attention, and speech. Sound patterns found in music trigger brain growth.
Also, piano playing activates similar parts of the brain linked to spatial and mathematical ability.
According to a university study, nine months of weekly piano lessons increases IQ three points higher than those who do not play the piano.
In adults, playing music has been shown to increase neural connections in the brain, improving overall brain function.
7. Benefits of Playing for Students
Grade school students who have music lessons have better spatial cognitive development.
Middle and high school students have higher scores on standardized tests than those who do not study the piano.
College students have improved information retention on lectures.
Studies show that more time spent on learning the piano leads to increased math skills and reading skills.
Childhood musicians have better information recall from lectures and speeches.
Did You Know? Children who take music lessons for two years or more remember 20% more vocabulary words than their peers.
8. Playing the Piano Improves Speech and Language Skills
Studies show that keyboard lessons boost language skills and spatial-temporal intelligence in children. They call this the "Mozart effect."
Another study revealed that jazz soloists could have conversations through music. They processed what they heard to come up with new music that fits.
Scientists also believe that music can help children with dyslexia improve their learning and speech process.
9. Enhances Aural Awareness
Aural awareness means that you have an understanding of the sounds that you hear.
Having a good "musical ear" makes it easier identifying the music patterns of foreign languages. It also helps you narrow down through background noise when you have trouble hearing.
In a way, regardless of whether you are a child or an adult, piano lessons improve our listening skills by identifying sound patterns.
If you learn the piano, you will learn to listen to music and sing better, too.
10. Music Lessons Provide Opportunity for Lesser Screen Time
It is a well-known fact that piano playing is an activity that does not require the use of electronics.
There are so many things to do online, but taking up piano disciplines both kids and adults to focus on the movement of their fingers and the music.
Excessive time spent in front of a screen is linked to brain atrophy, impaired cognitive functioning, and increased cravings due to impaired dopamine functioning.
Limiting electronics benefits many parents struggle to do more and more.
Final Words
Wherever you are in your life and whatever you do, learning to play an instrument benefits you. This list can go on about all the physical, cognitive, and psychological benefits of piano study.
A good starting point is finding a good piano teacher and consistent piano practice.
Did you enjoy the list? If so, what is stopping you from learning how to play and create music?
We would love to hear what you think! Make sure to comment your thoughts down below and share this article with your friends.
Let's continue loving music, and hopefully, creating music in the future!
