Maintaining peace of mind, proper mental health, and keeping calm and composed are all integral components of living a healthy lifestyle. With modern-day stresses, old solutions can help.
When someone plays an instrument it requires full concentration which creates a state of mental focus and mindfulness that allows for people to create a controlled environment.
Playing instruments such as piano, trumpet, flute and many others allows people to create an escape to decompress.
Playing instruments has statistically prompted cognitive developments, fine motor skills, reduced stress, improved memorization skills and has allowed for increased emotional control.
Students across Pleasant Valley have experienced the physical benefits of playing instruments firsthand.
Students in bands and orchestras firmly believe in the benefits that come from playing instruments. Trumpet player Spencer Johnson believes in the variety of physical benefits that instruments provide. “It develops your motor skills by reading increasingly difficult music,” Johnson voiced
Students also believe in the cognitive benefits of playing instruments.
Johnson also believes in the many cognitive benefits that playing an instrument can have. “It also helps you multitask by listening to other people’s parts and how they fit in with your own. You’re constantly looking for adjustments that sound the best for the band.” said Johnson
Even those who have graduated high school still are believers in the benefits of instruments.
Student Matthew Bender is a graduated member of the Pleasant Valley Band who still holds convictions that instruments can positively impact someone’s mental capacities. “When you’re playing an instrument you simultaneously read notes, move your hands, think critically and control your tone and embouchure. All of those actions have a huge impact on a person’s ability to focus and multitask.” stated Bender
Even modern-day doctors have prescribed music lessons to act as an anti-depressant which has decreased the need for antidepressant medications while also promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Medically, instruments have also been proven to fight Alzheimer’s and dementia, improve and regulate a persons mood, increase someones ability to concentrate and even straighten a persons posture.
Playing an instrument for pure enjoyment, mental health, medical purposes or anything else can provide a cognitive boost in everyones life. Playing an instrument provides people with the ability to control elements of their lives through a productive, lifelong activity.
