I grew up loving music, all kinds of music from jazz to rock and roll, blues, classical, country, reggae to rap. Music is an international language that nearly all humans enjoy in one way or another. For me, it was an elixir that helped to soothe my emotional state from a childhood trauma. There is no doubt, listening to music has helped me to get through some rough times.
While listening to music is one thing, playing it with an instrument is an entirely different concept. They tried to teach me how to play a violin in grade school, but I had no rhythm or aptitude for playing it. I went nowhere with it. The guitar would have been my instrument of choice, but my experience with the violin kept me from ever picking one up. It seemed I was destined to be a lifelong air guitar player.
All of that changed in my early 50s. I was involved in an automobile accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury. My brain was literally scrambled with extreme mood swings and bouts of serious insomnia. During my Cognitive Behavior Therapy, it was suggested that I learn how to play a musical instrument to help with my brain healing. I was told it would greatly help with my recovery and it did.
I purchased an acoustic guitar from a local music store and enrolled into a basic guitar playing course. There, I learned the very basics of music theory but perhaps, more importantly, I met others in the same boat as me. I play with others when time permits. I can read music. I understand chords and notes and melody. I am still working on my singing voice.
Though, I am nowhere near being accomplished, little by little, I am improving my play. And that is what keeps me going. If the desire is there, you can do it, too.
According to the experts, here are some of the verified benefits of learning how to play a musical instrument:
1) Improves spatial reasoning and literacy skills.
2) Enhances verbal memory.
3) Strengthens memory power by using both sides of the brain.
4) Makes you more intelligent.
5) Can cultivate and improve social life.
6) Develops a sense of achievement and builds confidence.
7) Relieves stress.
8) Enhances patience.
9) Increases discipline.
10) Hones time management skills.
Some recommended reading:
“This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of Human Obsession” (2006) by Daniel Levitin
“Music Medicine: The Science and Spirit of Healing Yourself with Sound” (2012) by Christine Stevens
“Music, The Brain, and Ecstasy: How Music Captures Our Imagination” (2008) by Robert Jourdain
“Music and The Mind” (1993)by Anthony Storr
“Healing at The Speed of Sound: How What We Hear Transforms Our Brains and Our Lives” (2011) by Don Campbell and Alex Doman
“Can YOUR Music Do This?” (2017) article by Bill Protzmann