The wonder of music is its ability to reach everyone, regardless of age, race, language, or anything else that might differentiate them from others. People who have difficulty putting their thoughts into words may find they can express themselves through music.
That’s because language only goes so far in communication, but melodies can reach through barriers. Music evokes responses that help us process emotions and feel better. It can inspire us to work harder or help us work through our anxieties, for example, leading us into a meditative state that is conducive to all types of healing.
What Are the Therapeutic Benefits of Music Lessons?
Music is diverse and fluid, and music therapy is the same. There are no rigid guidelines in the modality, but rather a focus on whatever steps the healing process requires — and not every benefit requires the help of a professional. You can see positive effects from working with a music therapist as well as through regular on-your-own practice.
Here are a few of the ways the therapeutic benefits of music could positively impact on your life.
1. You Improve Your Ability to Concentrate.
Successful private music lessons require hours of practice. You need to concentrate to master an instrument as well as the ability to read notes and rhythms. Such concentration allows your brain to focus on music — not on other problems that might be bothering you — which can also bring much-needed relief from stress.
2. You Gain Confidence.
As you get better at playing an instrument, you gain confidence and self-esteem. This is important for your well-being because it means you feel important and have talents. You can apply this confidence to other aspects of life, including school, the workplace, and relationships.
3. The Benefits of Music Help You Relax.
Music can work wonders emotionally. Learning to make music reduces anxiety, improves mood, and gives you a way to calm yourself. It also decreases the amount of cortisol — your body’s stress hormone — released, which physically allows you to relax.
4. Your Sleep Is Improved.
Music helps you sleep better. Getting enough dramatically affects how your mind and body function during the day. Playing relaxing music at bedtime, whether practicing a piece or listening to a recording, can help lower your heart rate and even inspire more positive dreams.
5. Music Helps You Heal Physically.
If you think music only impacts your head, think again. It can also help you physically, including improved motor skills, posture, endurance, and flexibility. The health benefits of music often seem miraculous, but people heal through music because the rhythms work in the brain and body to minimize pain, stress, or disease.
6. You Gain Energy.
Playing music increases blood flow in your brain. This particular benefit will give you a burst of energy, which may motivate you to practice more often!
7. The Benefits of Music Help You Be More Social.
People who sing or play instruments often have opportunities to perform in social situations, which helps them develop lasting relationships, decrease feelings of isolation, and leads to overall feelings of success.
8. Musical Performance Helps Others.
Learning to play an instrument is therapeutic for the musician, but it can also be soothing for those around you. Performing in a nursing home or a hotel lobby helps relax those who are listening. Singing in a choir or playing in a band can benefit many people. Even practicing in the presence of family members can lead to fun and relaxation at home.
Cross the Boundaries of Words and Logic
At Sloan School of Music, we teach music to all ages. It helps everyone — whether you are in school, have a hectic family life, or are in retirement — on multiple levels, from improving memory to giving you a way to express yourself. Music reaches areas of the brain that words and logic cannot reach. Try asking someone how music has helped them in their life, and you may be surprised by the variety of positive effects it has had!
The Benefits of Music Are for Everyone
You can be tone-deaf and still learn instruments, have zero experience playing the piano and still learn to play successfully. Don’t worry about your ability. Our experienced music instructors meet you where you are, tailor lessons to your level, and encourage you along the way.
To enjoy the therapeutic benefits of music, allow it to get inside you, fill you up, and help you work through the worries that might be nagging you. This includes:
- Turning nervous energy into creative energy.
- Slowing the rhythms of your body with a song.
- Changing up your day with different melodies to decrease boredom.
Even if you’re having the best day of your life, enhance your great experience with a favorite song. The music can also help you recall that moment later in life.
What Do Others Have to Say About the Benefits of Music?
People have been speaking about the powerful therapeutic benefits of music has had on them since long before scientists began to study it.
Martin Luther said, “My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary.”
Cervantes wrote, “He who sings scares away his woes.”
Kahlil Gibran said, “Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.”
Music helps individuals of all ages — and throughout time — to process their feelings and experience emotions in healthy ways. The most important step is to begin tapping into its benefits as soon as possible.
How to Start Gaining the Benefits of Music
It doesn’t take much to see positive results from immersing yourself in music. You can begin experiencing its therapeutic benefits right now:
- Turn on the radio to your favorite music station.
- Listen to something different on YouTube.
- Use whatever technology you have to access music, even just for background noise while you work.
- If you play an instrument or sing, try doing that more often.
- Enjoy the repetitiveness of your practicing.
- Get together with friends and listen or make music together.
Are you looking for music lessons? The Sloan School of Music offers group lessons and private music lessons for all skill levels from experienced, passionate music teachers. Call us today to get started!
