One of the most frequent inquiries we receive at Toronto Arts Academy is from adults wondering if it’s too late to pick up a musical instrument. The answer? It’s never too late! While there are clear advantages to starting anything at a younger age, the ability to learn remains with us throughout our lives. In fact, embarking on the journey of playing a musical instrument later in life can be a beneficial step towards promoting brain health. If you’re contemplating learning an instrument as an adult, read on to discover the myriad benefits that await you!
Improve Brain Function
As we age, our brains begin to slow down. Learning a musical instrument engages both hemispheres of the brain, forging new neural pathways. By dedicating ourselves to mastering a new piece or exercise, we’re essentially giving our minds a workout! This consistent mental exercise can enhance memory and foster creative thinking.
Reduce Stress
Learning to play a musical instrument demands significant focus. Consequently, it serves as an excellent opportunity to practice mindfulness. By fully immersing ourselves in the present moment, we’re able to quiet the incessant chatter of our minds and concentrate solely on the task at hand.
Moreover, unlike most other challenging endeavors, mastering a musical piece comes with the added reward of creating beauty!
Help Prevent Brain Disease
Learning a musical instrument is a multi-sensory activity, engaging various sensory modalities such as visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile. This multi-dimensional stimulation activates different regions of our brains.
As we grow older, our brain’s plasticity naturally declines. Music education provides our brains with a robust workout, which can help counteract this decline in cognitive function.
Enhance Discipline
Just like improving physical fitness, mastering a musical instrument demands time and dedication. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes to achieving musical confidence, despite what internet ads might suggest! As we persist on our learning journey, we begin to witness tangible progress. This cultivation of discipline and practice of delayed gratification can spill over into other aspects of our lives, contributing to a greater sense of fulfillment and well-being.
Create a Space for Self-Expression
Music is an art form! By embracing music-making as a means of self-expression, we can purge the clutter from our hearts and unearth aspects of ourselves we may not have previously recognized. While we all listen to music, performing a piece allows us to delve deeper into the emotions conveyed by the notes. This can be a profoundly enriching experience, greatly benefiting our mental health.
Meeting New People
Though musicians often practice alone, music is a social activity. Whether playing alongside others or performing in front of an audience, music is inherently communal. By connecting with fellow musicians who are on a similar path, we can accelerate our growth and forge meaningful friendships along the way.
There’s a reason why we refer to it as “playing” music!
Closing Notes
If you’re contemplating learning an instrument as an adult, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to learn more! We’re proud to offer some of Toronto’s finest music instructors, with classes available both in-person and online to accommodate your busy schedule.
