1.Sharpens memory: As a piano teacher, I always enjoy seeing my students improve their memory. First they memorise short music tunes, then step by step, the capacity of their brain to hold information increases. By practicing every day, they hear a tune many times over and are able to memorise it effortlessly. Their fingers start to play and the music flows from memory and feeling. Adults can also benefit from learning to play an instrument too because it helps the mind remain active and eventually, sharpens memory.
2.Helps in the study of languages: I prefer to teach young beginners not only notes and tunes, but simple songs to play and sing at the same time. This is in case, while practising, they forget how a music piece has to sound. They can then remember the tune and carry on. Some words can be new for very young children - they learn them faster if they taught the meaning along with the song. For example, adults learn different languages with the help of songs. So it is important to involve songs into the process of studying music.
3.Improves handwriting:
Handwriting can be improved rapidly, because playing piano, for example, needs tactility with the keys as well as a steady hand coordination. I have recieved feedback from many parents that their child’s handwriting got much better after she learned to play the piano.
4. It helps with emotional expression:
Children who play the piano are able to express their emotions. Music has a huge influence on human emotions. Children are sensitive to the sounds of music and they react in a matter of seconds. Happy music creates happy feelings and faces while sad music exaggerates a frown. Personally, I would advise the study of happy music - fast and speedy music pieces – because they leave you in a good mood and improve the velocity of your fingers.
5. Makes you smarter:
Many studies have been conducted on the effects of music on the brain. Parental feedback I receive confrims that children who play the a musical instrument do better at school than those who do not. Music improves a child’s speed of reading, helps them be creative and raises their IQ. Certain parts of the brain develop as you play different rhythms and melodies with the right and left hands at the same time - the connection between the right and left sides of the brain become stronger. Also, musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with learning languages and communication.
6.Teaches you discipline:
If you want to be good at something, you need to discipline yourself. Set time for practicing every day. You must commit yourself to learning music and practice, practice and practice some more. There are no excuses not to practice your instrument.
7.Gives you a sense of achievement:
If you study music, aside from your profession, it can be a hobby. But what if you have a burning passion for music? Happily, it can become your profession. As a teacher of music, I can say I am blessed. I love to share my knowledge with my students and I am glad to see their eyes light up when they practice and try to master music pieces. It is clear to see that they are getting a great sense of satisfaction while playing. They are getting closer to their goal.
8.Relieves stress:
Most people, when stressed, listen to soft, soothing music. The result is the same as having a good cup of tea or coffee. It balances your energy, inspires creativity and makes you forget your problems for that moment. Music makes brain cells start to behave as small rechargeable batteries. Playing an instrument does all this - and more.
9.Helps improve your musical tastes:
My mother is a musician and listened to classical music when she was pregnant with me. This way she knew I would naturally accept music into my life and that is what happened. I love classical music and popular styles like ballads, serenades, love songs followed by jazz and blues.
10.It’s fun:
After a long day of work, playing music to unwind works wonders. It makes you more confident and satisfied with yourself. Who knows, it may also help you turn a professional musician some day.
-The author is a musician and piano teacher at a music school in Dubai.
