It has long been said that learning music could make you smarter. Is it true?
Music is perpetually weaved into the fabrics of our lives: when we go shopping in a mall, when we watch an advertisement, when we dine in a restaurant (and the list goes one..)
I think we can all agree that a world without music would definitely be a dull one. Having music in our lives provides a platform for emotional expression, creativity, communication and a source of motivation.
In fulfilling our mission of bringing happiness to people's lives through our music workshops, we wonder what are other benefits learning music can bring into our lives.
Let's find out some of the benefits!
1. Increase brain capacity and functions
Learning a musical instrument makes one smarter because it releases more Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Camp Response Element Binding protein (CREB), and Synapsin I, all of which are brain proteins that works together to strengthen mental capacities.
Another benefit of learning music includes brain functions. Studies have shown that learning music improves Executive functions (EF) in both children and adult. EF are high level cognitive processes that enable people to quickly process and retain information, problem-solving, make right choices, planning and adapting to changes.
Yes, learning music makes you smarter.
2. Refine your time management skills & organisational skills
In a high performing and fast-paced world, efficiency is vital. Learning music provides you with the much sought-after skills such as time management and organisational skills.
When learning to play an instrument, it teaches you to be organised and manage your time wisely by planning how much time should be allocated for practising, while addressing the challenges you face in the process.
3. Enhance your coordination
Our daily routines could have got us resting on our laurels: We could be too comfortable carrying out our routines and achieving in things that we are already good at. In that sense our brain processes are not robust enough as compared to doing things we are unfamiliar with. Life is not always constant, sometimes we need to be well-equipped with coordination and thinking skills so that we can respond quickly to the changes in life.
By picking up a musical instrument, it allows us to read musical notes and convert them into specific motor patterns, thoroughly using the hand, eyes and sense of rhythm, involving both the right and left brain. An popular instrument that will make use of the hand, eyes and brain simultaneously would be the keyboard! Effectively using the left and right brain will lead to better coordination and better thinking skills.
4. Train your patience
Learning to play an instrument needs time and effort, which teaches us patience and perseverance. Because most people can’t play a piece of music perfectly for the first time, they practise difficult sections of the music multiple times in a row before they can play it correctly. Who knows, you might be surprise at your own musical prowess after a continuous process of training and perhaps unlock your inner zen.
5. Help you start on a good habit
There is a saying that goes “it takes an individual 10 years to cultivate a good habit, but only 1 day to pick up a bad one” If you agree with me, I have good news for you.
By taking up a music workshop at TravelClef, you could actually learn a musical instrument (be it the Ukulele, Keyboard or a Cajon) within a short period of 2-3 hours! Most of our participants are beginners and are able to play an instrument within the 1st workshop! The workshops are designed to help beginners kick start their musical journey and provides opportunity to cultivate a good habit on a new note!
Greek philosopher Aristotle said that "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
6. Learning music reduces stress
Science have proven that learning and listening to music that you enjoy helps to reduce the stress hormone called cortisol. Music have the ability to relate to your life and get in touch with one’s emotion, which can be comforting or therapeutic.
Now there you have it. The benefits of learning a musical instrument allows you to benefit from the inside out. You get to pick up skills, learn values, become happier and most beneficial of all, to apply them directly in your daily life. The application of the skills and values learned in the process will bring about positive behaviours that could potentially improve your quality of your life!
If you enjoy listening to music but don't know how to play an instrument, we welcome you to join our music workshops designed specifically for beginners who has zero music background!
Let music liven up you lives!