Benefits of studying music

Benefits+of+studying+music

There is no question that playing a musical instrument during the school day can increase not only short-term academic success, but also long term brain development and prolonged mental health. By taking an hour to focus on an instrument rather than a lecture, students mitigate their accumulating stress level while still remaining completely productive. Furthermore, playing an instrument can become an area of enjoyment as musical skills develop alongside one’s passion for his or her instrument.

That being said, just sitting passively during an orchestra rehearsal likely will not benefit you too much. As a study conducted by Northwestern University reveals, students have to be “actively engaged in the music and willingly participate in the class” in order for them to reap any benefits of playing an instrument.  Similarly, you won’t learn any mathematics just from sitting in a calculus class, you must pay attention in class and study the material- and studying an instrument is no different.

What is different about musical studies, however, is how they affect your brain. Because of the large auditory component, your brain is required to form connections known as “neurophysiological distinctions” which link sounds and musical tablature together when your mind processes the information. In the long term, this aids with overall literacy which eventually leads to greater overall academic success. Furthermore, a physical component is involved as many instruments require some movement to be played- guitars’ strings are plucked and trumpets are blown into. This phenomena furthers the relationship between motor skills and auditory components- a relationship unlikely to develop from any other activity. Because your mind, body, and ears are all at work together, this full emersion of your senses creates a feeling quite unlike any other and is not only satisfying, but vital in furthering brain development.

The benefits of studying an instrument extend beyond academics, however. Once you have learned to manipulate an instrument to create the specific sound you desire, you have delved into a new medium for creative expression. The sounds emulated from your fingers can express feelings in a way unable to be described. Furthermore, studying the art requires patience, discipline, and perseverance, all invaluable traits which will help you your entire life. One of the most cited benefits, however, is high playing music can alleviate stress levels. While playing an instrument your mind and body are in an intense focus; not too different from participating in yoga which is known to have countless health benefits.

As avid musician Dylan Barnett (11) explains, “[Playing music] caused me to be much more motivated in regards to school work and caused me to meet a lot of amazing people.” Dylan plays the guitar, drums, piano, harmonica, and sings for the school’s choir. Juggling so many instruments has taught him to carefully manage his time, a skill many of us high schoolers are still struggling with. Caleb Ju (11) explains his career with the orchestra as very beneficial. Caleb says, “It has made my school day more interesting. And playing an instrument also helps students learn better.”

The biggest pro to playing an instrument, however, is that it is pleasurable. I have played in a few middle school bands, and the memories and experiences I will never forget. Moreover, I have a unique skill I will be able to teach my children when I am older. As Plato once said, “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.