Studying, Performing, or Simply Listening to Music: People of All Ages Will Likely Experience Health Benefits Whenever Music is Involved
Many of us enjoy listening to music, but did you know that there are documented health benefits associated with most of the different kinds of interactions that people typically have with music? It’s true! Whether you are actively studying music (including learning to play an instrument), or performing on an instrument that you already know how to play, or simply enjoying listening to music, numerous studies have shown that incorporating music into many situations can yield various health benefits, for people of any age.
While you must be careful about volume levels—particularly when using headphones or earbuds—listening to music can sharpen your thinking and improve your memory. It can even make you feel better, through physio logical changes that occur in your brain when listening to music, which help to regulate your mood (and reduce stress and anxiety in the process).
Playing an instrument, and in particular the act of learning how to play an instrument, goes even further than merely listening. When children do so, they set themselves up for greater successes later in life; when older folks do so, they can actually help to prolong their life, and/or improve the quality of their life.
Music doesn’t discriminate; it benefits everyone that interacts with it, but you can make the most of those
Become a fan of benefits by actively participating in music. Don’t just listen to your favorite music; really focus on the details. Or better yet, learn to play those songs on a musical instrument! Your mind and body will thank you for it.
For a more information on this topic and others, please visit www.blog.stephensguitarlessons.com.
By Stephen Carrington, Stephen’s Guitar Lessons of Marietta GA; © 2024
