People often think learning to play music is a young person’s game. But the fact is it’s never too late to pick up an instrument! What’s more, there are plenty of benefits to reap from music lessons for adults!

Of course, we usually hear plenty of reasons to get kids into music early. There are many benefits, including cognitive, academic, and even social. All of which are beneficial to child development. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that these benefits extend later in life and can also have positive long-term effects for adults.

Even the smallest amount of musical training can bring significant benefits! Of course, that doesn’t mean those who have never played an instrument are missing out. The adult brain is still very flexible and can continue to learn and benefit from new things.

With that in mind, we have a few important reasons why even adults should consider picking up an instrument!

3 Benefits of Music Lessons for Adults

Cardio for Your Brain

One thing no one can deny about learning to play an instrument is that it is a complicated task; it requires the coordination of several parts of the brain at once. Many instruments require cooperation between the eyes, ears, and hands to create the proper musical note. With the resulting note as feedback, the brain can prepare for the following note and the note after that, etc. As you can see, performing music is a whole-brain workout!

What’s more, the relationship between your motor functions and the auditory area of the brain strengthens when learning a musical instrument. That could explain why adults trained to play a particular melody have a better representation of music in their brains than adults who have merely rained to listen to the same melody.

It’s easy to see how playing music uses many different parts of the brain. Furthermore, it’s easy to understand how even a short-term musical program for adults can have a profoundly positive impact on the adult mind.

Workout for Your Fingers

Obviously, your brain isn’t the only thing that gets a workout when you play music. Most instruments, from piano to guitar to trumpet, utilize a lot of complex finger motions and sequences, all performed as part of a coordinated effort. This makes it ideal for aiding in the dexterity of hands and fingers.

Piano lessons have even been used to help stroke victims regain hand function. The immediate feedback in the form of the note played is also important, as it reinforces each hand movement. This reduces errors and helps the musician to work towards moving at a more regular pace.

But music isn’t only great for cognitive and motor rehabilitation. Even those in good overall health can benefit. Music lessons for adults not only slow mental and physical decline, but also allow for the development of new skills!

That’s right! Music lessons for adults improve the rate of learning new motor skills–even ones not related to playing music!

People’s love for making music is particularly important for this benefit because learning to play music is difficult; a passion for it helps encourage sustained effort and practice. Ultimately, the more someone learns, practices, and performs, the greater the benefits.

Health & Wellbeing

Many worry that learning to play an instrument will be too difficult for adults to manage. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! Instead, learning to play an instrument can bring a great sense of achievement and satisfaction. Many people relish the chance to learn something new.

Even ignoring the fantastic cognitive benefits adults can gain from learning to plan an instrument, there are also significant social benefits. Learning to plan an instrument can be a group activity, facilitating bonding and helping to lessen feelings of loneliness or isolation.

Furthermore, music programs have been linked to improvements in the immune system, specifically in the presence of antibodies and improvements in heart rate and blood pressure. While the exact reason for this is still unknown, one theory is that music reduces stress.

Closing Thoughts

With the plethora of benefits that playing an instrument provides it would be beneficial to have as wide a variety of musical activities available for adults as for children.

Activities like singing in a choir or learning to play the piano offer a chance to try something new with a new group of people and provide many benefits to health and well-being along the way.

If you’re looking for a way to get into music later in life, check out all our music lessons for adults, and our Seniors Connecting Through Music class in particular!