The Benefits of Playing an Instrument
Fine Motor Skills
Playing an instrument can benefit fine motor skills, such as typing, sight reading, manipulation and control of smaller objects, or any unnoticed yet crucial fine motor skills used on a daily basis. Studies shows that those with experience in playing an instrument, specifically ones that require fine finger motor skills, have demonstrated faster learning and consolidation when performing simple motor skill tasks in comparison to non-musicians (Tucker, et al., 2016). Additionally, musicians with well-developed fine motor skills are associated with improved brain plasticity and volumetric structures such as gray matter volume (Gaser C. & Schlaug G., 2003, as cited in Tucker, et al., 2016).
Cognitive Health
Playing an instrument can help to improve cognitive health, in both function and longevity in later life. Multiple cognitive domains such as executive functions, working memory, language, and visuospatial abilities are associated with individuals who have had long-term musical activity in their lives (Böttcher, et al., 2022). Furthermore, the relation between those with musical background and late-life cognitive abilities was most prominent in working memory, the overall fundamental cognitive domain. (Böttcher, et al., 2022).
Reduces Stress
Along with all of this, learning to play an instrument or participating in recreational musical activity can also provide a therapeutic affect to mental health, such as improved emotional release, decrease in anxiety or agitation, depression, stress, and PTSD. The process of learning to read music and play an instrument has shown to enhance mood, improve self-esteem, and create a sense of independence for an individual (Shipman, 2016). In addition, playing the piano has been reported to lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone, compared to other leisurely activities such as clay molding or calligraphy (Toyoshima, et al., 2011, as cited in Shipman, 2016,)