Opinion: The benefits and fun of learning an instrument
Joshua Boulet, Features and Entertainment Editor
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
The views and opinions expressed on in this article are solely those of the original author. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of The Vision NGU or North Greenville University.
Music permeates much of our lives. College students in particular seem to always have a hot take ready about the newest Harry Styles album or Hayley Williams’ work after she left Paramore.
Yet, many people only go as far as that: listening to music. Listening to music is fantastic, but actually learning a musical instrument and the accompanying theory can be immensely satisfying.
Music builds discipline
Let’s face it, as you get older, it gets harder to devote yourself to things. Work and school leaves people drained and tired, so an evening of watching YouTube in your pajamas seems like a solid option.
As I’ve been learning piano myself, I’ve found the learning process to be a bit more engaging. Not to say that anything is wrong with YouTube or spending time in your pajamas but committing to learning an instrument gives routine and consistent goals. In a way, it’s nice to have clearly laid out tasks.
The more you know, the cooler music is
Sometimes, songs just go over our collective heads. Sure, people heard the song, but did they really hear it? Could they pick out individual elements?
Active listening is the practice of listening to a song closely to pick out and determine individual elements. A bit of music theory and knowledge of musical ideas can really help you analyze a song more intelligently. The reality of it is that artists put significant amounts of work into songs, but many people may not even notice all of the little tricks.
By combining your knowledge of your instrument with theory, you can find even more interesting elements in the songs you listen to. Theory may seem boring, but it can make music that much more fascinating for the listener.
Music calms the mind
Every day seems to bring a new heaping dose of stress. Everybody needs a break from the stresses of all of the unfinished homework and laundry waiting to be washed.
Devoting yourself to something somewhat challenging but satisfying is a good break from the constant noise of the internet and screens as Steve Flack explains:
“Playing music helps you practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the state of being fully aware of the current moment, without being distracted by past events our future worries,” he wrote.
Music can communicate
People love music, that much is indisputable. Much of that comes from communication. Fabio Parrini, Professor of Music and Piano Coordinator at North Greenville University explains music’s greater impact on society as a whole.
“It’s a way of communicating emotions that people can quickly relate to” he said.
Parrini sees it this way, music has so much prevalence in society that learning it is another way of being part of that greater culture. He himself had been brought to music by his parents and continued to learn from there.
By learning an instrument, you can get more involved in the communication and cultural aspects of music.
Playing music is fun
Sure, it may be a challenge at times, but the satisfaction of learning a challenging song can’t be beat. The best part of music for me is the progression. The more music you play, the better your music gets and the better you get at music. Always remember where you started.
Taking a recording of your progress when you start and looking back can prove just how far you have come. Parrini is a performing pianist and professor now, but when he started it was because he had fun listening to and playing music.
Even when struggling through learning all of the major and minor scales, the joy shines through when you learn a complicated piece that you could never have imagined playing when you started.
Music may not be for every person, but it is absolutely worth a shot.
