Nowadays, when there is a large choice of various hobbies, it may be uneasy to take up one. People usually consider all benefits that a particular pastime could bring them before pursuing it. To my mind, music-making is the practice that not only brings pleasure to the player and the audience but also develops essential skills. This paper aims to describe the advantages of playing a musical instrument and prove that this hobby can positively influence a person.
One of the most important benefits of playing music is its positive impact on cognitive performance. Studies show that playing a musical instrument as well as listening to music stimulate our brain and improve memory. According to Schneider et al. (2019), this happens because music-making activates “multiple brain areas” and uses “cognitive and motor functions as well as multiple sensory systems, simultaneously” (1763). It means that this activity combines the use of cognitive and motor skills, which allows the mind and the body to work together. The researchers also aimed to prove that music can serve as a protective mechanism against cognitive decline among older adults (Schneider et al., 2019). Hence, taking up this hobby at an older age may prevent the development of such disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (Satoh et al. 2015). In some institutions, there is even the practice of using music therapy intervention for treating various cognitive issues. As such, it is crucial to listen to music and play it to stay healthy.
Learning to play a musical instrument teaches an individual discipline and sharpens their concentration. The practice is an essential part of music-making, and it is always connected with self-control. Musicians spend several hours a day rehearsing difficult parts of a musical piece, and this demands a high level of concentration and patience. The music consists of multiple elements, which include rhythm, pitch, quality of sound, and tempo, and a player should be focused on all these things to perform well. Ensemble playing entails even more concentration since one is dependent on other players and should listen not only to themselves but also to other people in a group. Therefore, music-making develops self-discipline and concentration, which are important skills in everyday life.
Moreover, learning to play music may exert a positive effect on studying other subjects at school or university. Hille and Schupp (2015) state that “adolescents with music training have better school grades are more conscientious, open and ambitious” (56). According to their study, extracurricular music activities have beneficial effects on cognitive and non-cognitive skills (Hille & Schupp, 2015). As a result, students who are engaged in musical activities tend to have better academic performance. Some researchers note that music influences mathematical abilities in particular (Cranmore & Tunks, 2015). This is due to the close linkage between these two fields: music is known to be based on mathematics. Cranmore & Tunks (2015) claim that “the musical element of rhythm seemed to have the most mathematical connection” (51). This fact suggests that individuals, who undergo musical instruction, might show a better understanding of mathematics as they learn about the basics of this subject during musical instruction. It would be a good idea to encourage collaboration between teachers in these fields in order to improve students’ academic performance. In my opinion, these reasons are sufficient to start playing music at least as a hobby.
Another advantage of this kind of activity is that music helps to relieve stress. In the modern world, people face stressors each day: busy traffic, problems at work, strained relationships, and lack of free time. All these factors increase the level of stress and affect our overall well-being. Hence, it is of paramount importance to find a moment for relaxation. To my mind, music is one of the best ways to release tensions and enjoy your spare time. Firstly, a person has an opportunity to play their favorite songs and compositions. Secondly, it is always pleasant to see other people listening to your playing and appreciating it. This brings positive emotions to a player and makes them feel better. Furthermore, music therapy is utilized in clinical practice for treating various stress disorders (Landis-Shack et al., 2017). Researchers believe that producing as well as listening to music increases the level of endorphins, which are known as hormones of happiness. As such, playing a musical instrument can become an effective tool for fighting stress and coping with negative emotions after a hard-working day.
In conclusion, a person must have a hobby that allows them to relax and develops their skills. Playing music has proved to be effective in dealing with stress, and music therapy is used in treating stress disorders. Moreover, this activity boosts brain abilities and helps to prevent cognitive issues at an older age. The positive impact of music-making on academic performance in adolescents is also worth mentioning. Students tend to get better marks in other subjects if they are engaged in musical training. This is most notable with mathematics as the two fields are connected and playing music may facilitate understanding of mathematical concepts. Playing music also teaches self-discipline and concentration since it requires hours of practice and focused attention.
References
Cranmore, J., & Tunks, J. (2015). High school students’ perceptions of the relationship between music and math. Mid-Western Educational Researcher, 27(1), 51-69.
Hille, A., & Schupp, J. (2015). How learning a musical instrument affects the development of skills. Economics of Education Review, 44, 56-82.
Landis-Shack, N., Heinz, A. J., & Bonn-Miller, M. O. (2017). Music therapy for posttraumatic stress in adults: A theoretical review. Psychomusicology: Music, Mind, and Brain, 27(4), 334.
Satoh, M., Yuba, T., Tabei, K. I., Okubo, Y., Kida, H., Sakuma, H., & Tomimoto, H. (2015). Music therapy using singing training improves psychomotor speed in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a neuropsychological and fMRI study. Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders Extra, 5(3), 296-308.
Schneider, C. E., Hunter, E. G., & Bardach, S. H. (2019). Potential cognitive benefits from playing music among cognitively intact older adults: a scoping review. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 38(12), 1763-1783.