Several years ago I wrote this article about the immense advantages of learning a musical instrument – at ANY age. As everyone is preparing for heading back to school and many parents and some adults are thinking about music lessons, I thought this would be worthwhile repeating.
And at the age of 92, Ed’s Dad decided it was time he learned an instrument. He wanted to try the guitar, but we settled for something a little easier – the ukelele. And he proudly played at the reception for my son’s wedding the following summer.
You wouldn’t believe the number of adults I have met who have lamented to me that they never continued their music training as a child.
Why is that?
Learning to play a musical instrument is a slow process that takes many years of learning and practice. There is NO quick and easy way to learn an instrument. And that is counter to what everyone is looking for in these times of instant gratification.
If you are a parent who has a child in music lessons, you know intimately the challenges involved in getting your child to practice his or her instrument. I remember lining up Smarties on the music stand to inspire my son, Matt, to practice his scales. He would get a Smartie for each scale he played.
You wouldn’t believe how many people who have told me they studied music for several years when they were young and never touched it again. If you have a child in music lessons, I encourage you to find ways to motivate your child with the help of your teacher.
Is it worth the bother? You are probably not surprised to hear a loud YES coming from me. Learning a musical instrument (and this includes the process of learning how to sing) is not the only thing you learn. Patience, perseverance, confidence, determination, coordination, teamwork in ensembles, problem solving are a few of the benefits resulting from years of music study.
There is just too much emerging evidence from neurology that music study simply helps to hook up the brain, especially in the field of neuroplasticity.
And for adults – take it from an experienced music teacher – YES! It is never too late to learn a musical instrument.
Let me share with you a story from my family to support this point. I have always been invited to play my guitar at family gatherings and I loved to do that. Especially when I was attending university in Ontario.
Several years after I moved to western Canada, I heard from my aunt that my uncle had become ill with what they thought was Alzheimer’s disease. Upon further testing, it was found that he had a tumour in his brain the size of an orange. Fortunately, it was operable and was not malignant.
Unfortunately, he suffered some memory loss. I found out later that after he recovered from the surgery and inspired by my impromptu family performances, he decided to take lessons in the classical guitar. He was 70 years old at the time.
Not only did he learn to play – it restored his memory loss!
The online magazine, The Science Daily regularly publishes articles or reviews about the benefits of music and music training. Below are links to 3 articles providing more reasons why music study is a great endeavor at any age!
Music training primes nervous system and boosts learning
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100720152252.htm
Music training linked to enhanced verbal skills
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070926123908.htm
Music Thought to Enhance Intelligence, Mental Health and Immune System
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060622172738.htm