Music Education: Why Learning to Play an Instrument is Essential to Success in Life

Music has been an integral part of human society for thousands of years, and for good reason. Not only does music have the power to move us emotionally, but it also has many benefits for our brains, our social skills, and our productivity. As someone who has been a proponent for music education for many years, I am thrilled to see that more and more people are picking up an instrument these days. In this article, I will explore some of the reasons why learning to play an instrument is beneficial, and why it is nearly essential if you want to be successful in life.

1. They Are More Creative

Creativity is an essential skill in any profession, as it allows you to look beyond what currently exists and express yourself in a new way. As Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, once stated, music allows you to “look beyond what currently exists and express yourself in a new way” (NYT). Musicians are often more creative than others because they are constantly creating something new and breaking mental barriers. This skill necessarily bleeds into other aspects of their lives and makes them more innovative and adaptable.

2. Their Brains Develop Differently

Playing an instrument has many beneficial effects on the brain, especially for children. Those who start from an early age (around 9 to 11) have “significantly more grey matter volume” within their heads (Parenting Science). While this doesn’t necessarily mean that musicians are smarter, it does demonstrate that their brains are making unique and interesting connections that those who do not play instruments might lack. These connections can lead to better problem-solving and analytical skills.

3. They Connect With Others Better

Music has the power to connect different cultures, ideas, and perspectives. Even when you are unfamiliar with a location, you can always use your ability to play music to get to know those around you, and establish connections that may have been impossible to create otherwise. This skill can be crucial in any number of professions, especially those that require you to immerse yourself in a location that you are unfamiliar with.

4. They Are Better at Math

There is a clear connection between math and music. Both deal with analyzing puzzles and finding patterns in order to find solutions. If you can get a sense of the ebb and flow of music and musical language, mathematical concepts should begin to make more sense. Being better at math is beneficial for a number of reasons, if only because so many new jobs in this day and age rely on that skill.

5. They Have A Better Sense Of Rhythm

Musicians often have a better sense of rhythm than non-musicians, which helps them maintain order in their schedules and accomplish repetitive tasks at a consistent rate. Additionally, learning how to maintain a steady pace not only makes for a good musician, but a more productive and effective worker as well.

6. They Are Obsessive

To become proficient at playing music requires a lot of time and dedication. Musicians have to be a little obsessive to cultivate their craft. Roger McNamee, an early investor in Facebook, stated that “musicians and top professionals share ‘the almost desperate need to dive deep’” (NYT). If you are willing to put effort into that, you will likely tackle other things with that same gusto.

7. They Are More Likely to Have A Higher IQ

Children who take up an instrument at a young age (around 6 years old) show a greater increase in their IQ compared to those who did not (Science Net Links). Suffice it to say, having more intelligence to work with than your peers is often crucial in gaining the upper hand.

8. They Process Speech More Efficiently

Learning how to play music has a beneficial effect on the areas of your brain that process sounds — an effect that lasts even into old age (Washington Post). Listening is an important skill to have, as the ability to make sense of speech and complicated strings of words and sentences is crucial to success.

9. They Are Conditioned To Work Hard For Results

Musicians know that “if you work hard enough, it does get better” (NYT). Music thus conditions you to believe that working harder gets results, and while that may not always be true in everything, it does lead to you pushing yourself harder in order to see measurable improvements in all aspects of your life.

10. They Have More Self-Control

Learning how to play an instrument requires a lot of mental focus and self-control. Once you are skilled at playing music, it takes both talent and self-control to keep rhythm, to maintain a beat, and to otherwise stay on the musical rails. This ability to remain dedicated and focused on the task at hand translates into real-world success.

In conclusion, learning how to play an instrument is essential to success in life. Music education offers many benefits, such as increased creativity, better brain development, stronger social skills, improved mathematical abilities, better rhythm, and self-control. So, pick up that guitar, violin, or trumpet and start your musical journey today!