The Many Benefits of Music

From an article written by Sandy Lundberg, originally posted on the Music Teacher's Helper blog on 10/26/13:

The Many Benefits of Music
Music is beneficial on many levels. It is the universal language of our hearts. Just like our spoken language, where we learn to read, write and communicate, and appreciate the communications of others, we can learn to communicate in the language of music.

Music grows new connections in the brain. Because of the way our two hands are used, playing the piano develops these connections better than any other instrument. Piano study improves math skills, coordination, and multi-level thinking. Students slowly develop independence of the hands, and the ability for each hand to perform a completely different action in coordinated unison.

Studying music develops character. It has been said that it takes 10 years at 20 hours per week to truly master a subject. That’s a lot of commitment and patience, a lot of showing up and doing the work, even on days and weeks you don’t feel like it. That is a lot of delayed gratification.

Studying music also teaches children how to learn. Through daily practice students cultivate good habits. They learn that if they are sloppy in their practice they don’t get the results they want. Our brain is always learning and looking for the “easy” way out. When we practice mistakes over and over again, our brain learns them very well, and it takes a lot of work to override them with new programming.

Music is also a social activity. Most instruments are played as a part of a group. Piano is unique in this regard in that there is rarely more than one piano role in a musical group, and the piano is often studied as a solo instrument. 

Music is also a gift to be shared. Whole professions are built around the therapeutic value of music. David soothed King Saul with his harp. Students provide pleasure for their families as they bring music into their homes.

Music is also a personal oasis for comfort and expression. Playing the piano can soothe us when life is troubling, allow us to express overwhelming joy and gladness, or even be an outlet for turbulent feelings. It can mirror our soul and help us cry out to God in the language of our hearts.