Benefits of learning a Musical Instrument

Learning a musical instrument like the piano, has many benefits and develops many skills. Reading music involves concentrating on two lines of music at a time (right and left hand) while being aware of the fingers playing and ears listening to the music. Later on, students will use pedals with their feet, which is another element to concentrate on. Memory skills are developed when learning music – visual, aural, analytical and kinesthetic (muscle memory). Muscle memory kicks in after practice when the brain has memorised a piece of music and the fingers play automatically, using motor memory. This is one of the reasons practice is so important! Music inspires creative thinking and gets students to use their imagination, for example by using louds and softs in a piece (dynamics) or visualising what the piece might remind them of. Coordination is developed playing piano and posture and body awareness. Piano technique brings further awareness of this, even noticing how to sit upright on the chair and hold the arm has importance for the piano student. Discipline is developed through sticking to practice routines and being able to work independently in between lessons. Through consistent practice and performance improvement, better self-discipline is developed. Learning piano improves self-esteem and self-confidence. Mastering a difficult piece of music gives great satisfaction and fulfillment to the student, as they see and hear the benefits of their practice and effort and notice their skills improving.