The Psychology Behind Playing Piano

Have you ever listened to a tune so enjoyable you lost yourself in the music? If you ask a sportsperson why they play their sport, they would usually answer with this: “It’s fun and I enjoy it”.

Yet most of them ignore the fact that although the sport itself is physical, there is a mental aspect to it too. Furthermore, it offers an escape to a stress-free headspace. Many use sports to flee from reality and get lost in the bliss of doing what they love.

The same concept can be applied to when playing the piano. I believe even more so since you can truly express yourself through playing songs and pieces and, therefore, lose yourself in the music. Playing piano is physical, yet it is not all about pretty melodies – it also has a vast psychological side to it too.

Psychological Aspects of Piano

Synonyms for psychological include non-physical and emotional. Playing the piano helps improve the ‘non-physical’ and ‘emotional state’ you are in.

Here are a few benefits playing piano does to your psychological state:

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

It is proven time and time again that playing piano reduces stress. It can lower cortisol levels which decreases a person’s anxiety levels. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone. Thus playing piano removes negative emotions and stress while replacing it with serotonin and dopamine.

These hormones are both neurotransmitters, and they play a role in positive moods and emotions. They are not called happy hormones for no reason. So not only does playing piano reduce stress and anxiety, but it replaces it with positive emotions, too!

Playing piano requires focus and concentration, which helps one forget about other worries that cause stress – even if only for a moment. I definitely feel the impact on my stress and anxiety levels. Whenever my fingers hit the keys, the worries of this world seem to just melt away.

To me, it helps to eliminate a negative headspace and clear my mind. Whenever I play the piano my mood almost instantly becomes lighter, I feel more in control and less stressed. So if you are ever having a bad day- playing a bit of piano might help lighten the mood and keep the stress at bay!

Motivation and Confidence

Playing piano can help boost your confidence through performing in front of others.

Not only is this good practice, but it is good for your self-esteem as well. It makes you mentally stronger each time you perform.

The more you put yourself out there, the easier it becomes to overcome your anxiety and stage insecurities. Psychologically the piano will help build your character and motivate you to do better each time.

Piano takes practice.

No one can expect to reap results without sowing hard-working seeds.

Thus, by persevering throughout the hard times and continually investing time and effort into the piano, you will eventually see the fruits thereof.

Challenging yourself like this will make you feel accomplished when you achieve your goals, leading to a boost in your confidence. Now you will want to take on greater challenges and they might not even be piano related!

Psychologically, this is very good for you, it can help you to apply your perseverance skills to other aspects of your life and decrease your need for instant gratification.

Challenge after challenge you will see your confidence gradually build up and before you know it, you will be able to look back and hardly recognise the unmotivated and diffident person you were.

Purpose and Goal

Everybody in life is seeking to find their one true purpose. According to BillyGraham.org.uk, a survey revealed that only 11% of people aged 16 to 29 believe they have found their purpose.

Although the percentage grows the older the age gets, it is still a significant amount of people who believe they lack a purpose in this life. Now, I do not believe that piano should be the reason you exist, but it does give us something to do with our lives.

About 20% of young adults suffer from depression. They feel they have no purpose in life and no goal to strive towards. I strongly believe playing the piano helps to create goals and eliminate feelings of loneliness and depression. It can make life a little more worthwhile.

Having a goal to work towards can increase your quality of life and bring forth a sense of excitement. New things are always exciting. That is why it is encouraged to take on new goals after completing one like working towards a higher piano grade, learning a harder piece, etc.

Fortunately, you can never run out of goals. The only limit is your determination and perseverance.

Mental Health

As stated previously in this article, playing the piano decreases your anxiety level. Music helps eliminate negative feelings and replace them with positive ones.

This directly impacts your mental health. When you fill yourself with positive feelings and surround yourself in that positive environment, you will emotionally and psychologically feel better about yourself and the things you do. Who would have thought that playing the piano could be seen as free therapy?

Conclusion

We live in a day and age where everything is about the physical, and the mental aspect is often neglected. It is important to find a balance between the two since your psychological health affects your actions and appearance.

Playing the piano can help boost your overall mental health and other things mentioned in this article.

Here at London Piano Institute, you can expect quality lessons that will help you improve your piano journey so that you can play the piano with boldness- losing yourself to a world of endless possibilities with a healthy mind and soul…