I have recently started to play the piano again and have been taking it very seriously. I started playing the piano at the age of 6 and played for many years, but then took a break for a while. I just started back up last summer and have been playing for around a year now. But, with the amount of time and hard work I put into my practicing I am now at a level equivalent to playing for around 5-10 years. This is because I practice for 1-4 hours every single day and have been committed to getting better. I love playing the piano and I know there are numerous benefits to playing the piano or an instrument in general, and wanted to share some that many people are unaware of to possibly convince you to pick up an instrument.
Playing the piano is incredibly good for your brain. Because of the complex melodies, harmonies, sounds, and rhythms going by, your brain is working very hard to try and decipher and separate all these components. Neurologists have found that when someone listens to classical music, fireworks in all different parts of the brain go off, and even more so when a musician is playing an instrument they engage almost all regions of their brain. Moreover, when playing the piano you are working on fine motor skills, memory skills, concentration skills, multitasking skills, attention skills and are increasing activity in the corpus callosum. The corpus callosum connects the right and left hemisphere of the brain, so when activity here is increased, there is more information flowing across the two lobes. The piano is incredible for maintaining one’s finger dexterity and strength, two things that deteriorate with old age. The skills enhanced while playing the piano can be applied to other activities as well. Skills such as planning, strategizing, and memory can be helpful in mathematics, problem-solving, and overall learning. Finally, the piano builds perseverance and concentration through hours of hard work and practice. It is like a sport and takes lots of practice and commitment, but is worth the effort because it teaches one discipline and has positive scientific effects. Do you want to learn how to play?
TED-ED- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng
Articles- https://www.flowkey.com/en/benefits-playing-piano
https://www.pianodreamers.com/benefits-of-playing-piano/
I enjoy playing, but I'm terrible at it! I have poor hand-eye coordination, and that makes it difficult for my brain to process the notes and send those signals to my fingers to play properly. I am thinking perhaps guitar would be an easier instrument for me to learn, as I can play a ton of songs with just a few chords. LOVE music, though, and all three of my kids are musical!
ReplyDeleteHey Ethan, piano is one of my favorite hobbies. I agree that piano helps with your brain, but I also think it is a good way of expressing yourself. You are really good at the piano, and I hope someday I'll get to your level.
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