September 26, 2024

About the Author: Arwen

Arwen, originally from South Africa, is a dedicated piano enthusiast with a deep passion for the instrument. Alongside her musical interests, she is pursuing studies in marketing, where she enjoys engaging in creative projects!

“I am too old”, “What is the point?”, “It is too complicated.” Did you fall victim to some of these excuses?

Does even thinking of the piano become a huge killjoy? Pause, take a breath and read through this article to unlock the desire to start learning the piano!

Learning the piano can be challenging and intimidating, since most rather like staying within the borders of their own comfort zone.

Yet is it worth venturing beyond those borders to have a chance to see even a glimpse of success? Yes, I believe most definitely so.

If you start learning the piano today, you will be tremendously better the same time next year if you practise consistently.

Time zooms by incredibly fast, whether we use it wisely or waste it away.

So might as well use your time to achieve something for yourself.

If this did not motivate you, check out the following 10 reasons as to why learning the piano is worth it.

Beautiful hands playing piano

1. Boosts Emotional Well Being

Learning the piano can improve your stress and anxiety levels.

Everytime you play an instrument, it reorganises the brain’s neural pathways.

It lowers your cortisol levels too.

Did you know that playing the piano engages practically every area of the brain at the same time? No wonder some refer to playing an instrument as a brain workout.

2. Improves Memory And Concentration

Musicians experience enhanced memory functions where you can create, store and retrieve memories faster and efficiently.

Your brain’s executive functioning and working memory improves when you play piano.

Many even use musical training to reduce cognitive impairment for improved memory.

Some research even suggests that individuals who play an instrument are less likely to experience dementia!

Welcoming people with piano

3. Develops Discipline And Patience

Anything you want to learn or improve will require discipline and patience.

Learning the piano will teach you the necessary discipline it takes to manage time skills, since you need to balance life and practice hours altogether.

It will also teach you patience, practising the same things over and over until you get it to perfection.

4. Expands Cultural Understanding

There are a lot of piano genres out there that explore diverse musical traditions and cultures.

Learning the piano opens a word to astounding musicians across different countries and eras.

It allows you to immerse in different cultures’ musical structures and forms, helping you understand their culture more.

Exploring the history of the piano creates the bigger picture and broadens your knowledge on the instrument.

Knowing the history and culture behind the piano can lead to an even greater love for the instrument .

Playing the piano is not just about mastering the instrument— but it’s a bridge to understanding and appreciating the piano’s rich musical heritage.

Smiley confident man

5. Increases Self-Esteem And Confidence

As mentioned before, learning the piano is challenging, but that is what makes the success feel amazing.

When you start learning the piano, you definitely will come face to face with strenuous obstacles.

Yet every time you overcome them, it can boost your confidence and leave you wanting to take an even greater challenge.

Learning the piano boosts self esteem because it makes you see what you are capable of.

As you progress, you can muster the confidence to play in front of friends and family, leaving them impressed which increases your confidence and self esteem even more.

6. Gives Purpose And Meaning

Learning the piano can create its own purpose. You can create goals for yourself and work towards them, thus creating a purpose.

Having a purpose gives so much more meaning to life.

Playing the piano can be deeply emotionally satisfying and fulfilling, enhancing your life quality.

It also allows you to bring joy for others like playing piano in retirement homes.

One can even take it further and aspire to become a piano teacher, teaching individuals who started out just like you did.

Things like this can add more purpose to your life, enriching your life on a deeper level.

Pianist covered with people

7. Provides Social Opportunities

When you start learning the piano, it can open doors to other friendships and social opportunities.

Your piano teacher could organise an ensemble of musicians where you can meet other individuals who also play an instrument.

You can exchange your knowledge with them and they can share theirs with you, which can lead to great tips and tricks to help you on your journey.

Participating in concerts also gives the opportunity to form friendships with others with the potential to become your best friend or even future spouse, who knows!

8. Improve Academic Skills

The difference between listening to an instrument and playing it when it comes to your brain, is that playing it requires fine motor skills which combine mathematical and linguistic precision.

It increases the volume and activity in the bridge between the left and right side of the brain – called the corpus callosum.

This allows messages to travel across the brain faster, leading to musicians being able to solve problems more effectively and creatively in social and academic settings.

Learning the piano can improve your levels of executive function, which can also improve your academic skills.

Friends enjoying piano

9. Provides Enjoyment

Playing the piano is fun! It is also a cool party trick if someone has a piano or keyboard laying around.

Learning the instrument is a great and efficient way to pass the time.

The best part is you can choose what to play.

Although you definitely need to get in enough technical exercises, it is always pleasant to play a few tunes you love or even just experiment with different chords and keys.

The possibilities are endless.

10. Fosters Creativity And Self Expression

Your brain’s activity levels rise whenever you play an instrument.

It quite literally forces your brain to think outside the box and helps you to think in new ways. Especially when you are improvising.

Learning the piano encourages experimentation, like trying out different chord progressions, different tempos and so forth.

These skills can be applied to your everyday life where creativity is needed.

Learning the piano can also help you express yourself and your emotions.

You can play chords and keys that express emotions you cannot convey through mere words.

Expressing your hidden emotions through playing the piano can help release toxic tension without ever saying a word.

Conclusion

Hopefully now you are convinced to take the next step. You will never know how far you will go if you never try. It is time to bring out the pianist hidden within you!

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