Research Proves the

Benefits of Playing Piano

It is believed that studying and playing an instrument has amazing benefits for children and adults. After much research, I have come across so many benefits of playing piano. I’ve listed and expanded on 5 broad benefits and have also found a research document from the University of Georgia, which questions piano students as to why they play the piano. It is a really fascinating study. I also came across this quote from a neuro scientist -Dr Mark Tramo from the harvard medical school, who said

“many of the same neurons that are used in music are also used in math, language and thinking”

This just highlights the affect music and playing an instrument can have on the brain and the potential benefits that exist for both children and adults.

Amongst all adult music students, piano is often the most popular choice for many reasons; listed below are 5 of many benefits of playing piano.

Benefits of playing piano # 1

Entertainment and enjoyment.

One of the main benefits of learning piano is purely the entertainment and enjoyment derived from learning a new skill. The ability to play music for yourself and your friends and family can provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment.

Benefits of playing piano # 2

Relaxation

Solo piano music helps the mind and body to relax. If the music is slow and soft it enables the brain to go into a state of relaxation. A lot of people use piano music during yoga, meditation or simply to just relax when in a stressful state. The ability for the rhythm of piano music to sooth you is truly amazing.

Benefits of playing piano # 3

Healing and therapy

It is often reported that one of the major benefits of playing piano music is that it is excellent for healing and therapy. Many massage therapists, naturopaths and doctors use music in their offices to keep patients relaxed.  A great deal of research has been done in music therapy to suggest it has a huge healing ability. More often, music therapy is used to complement traditional forms of medicine. Researchers acknowledge that particular types of music can aid relaxation by lowering heart rate and blood pressure. It is also often used for those with physical and or mental illnesses because it has been proven to help in many cases.

Benefits of playing piano #4

Improved Self confidence

Learning a new skill and performing for others can significantly improve child and adults self-confidence through personal growth. Many people never give themselves a chance to learn an instrument, but those who do are congratulated and can pride themselves on being persistent. Secondly, the encouragement people receive from family and teachers or a proud parent, will often build a sense of pride and confidence. In particular with children who are creative and can express themselves through music often become much better communicators later in life. It also has the ability to help adults to gain the confidence and become more social, as well as build relationships with people who share similar passions for music and piano.

Benefits of playing piano # 5

Relaxing piano music aids with sleep

Finally my fifth benefit of playing piano is its ability to help individuals sleep. Because of the extensive relaxation effect piano music has on the mind and body, it often helps people drift off to sleep. Further studies are being done on the belief that music affects the brain waves, helping people to slow down enough so people are able to fall asleep.

When I was studying many years ago, I struggled to sleep because of the stressed state I was in, and I tried a lot of methods to help me sleep. It wasn’t until my mother convinced me to listen to one of her old records by Richard Clayderman (a very popular pianist worldwide in the 80’s) that I actually found myself in a less stressed state and slept a lot better. – I know I certainly endorse piano music for this reason. I’ve included some of Richard Clayderman’s music below so have a listen and see what you think. I have also added one of the most popular Relaxing Music YouTube Instrumental pieces on my Favorite YouTube Performance page so check that out of it interests you.

Academic Research Highlighting The

Benefits of Playing Piano

Many scientists and researchers have done studies into the benefits of numerous styles of music and, more recently, the benefits of playing piano. During a lot of personal study, I came across an article by an academic from the University of Georgia, which looked at adults studying piano.

The study was performed to get a better understanding of why adults enjoy playing piano and to help educators deliver teaching that caters to the needs of adult students. It is proven that if adults are getting what they want from their piano experience and they are getting good value, then they are much more likely to stay interested and motivated.

It was reported by these piano students that the major benefits of playing piano were;

• skill improvement
• Accomplishment
• musical knowledge
• the ability to play and have fun.
• that their dreams were fulfilled
• they developed a new technique
• they were able to escape from routine
• personal growth

When students were asked what they found were the greatest benefits of playing piano, they said that they were interested in technical improvement, but they also placed a high value on the enjoyment and self-growth that studying and playing piano provides.

The study by the university also showed that the benefits of playing piano meant an improvement in

• Self-esteem
• Relaxation
• Social relationships
• Stress reduction
• Self-confidence
• Imagination and creativity
• Social status
• Self-belief

The ability for our brains and bodies to adapt to different stimuli is incredible and often something that is overlooked by many people. It is far more sophisticated and complex than some of the most powerful computers built today and some scientists and medical professionals suggest we only truly understand 10% of the brains true functions. Whether this is true or not, I’m no scientist to confirm or deny either way. But that’s what I love about the brain – there is so much unknown and hidden potential.  That is why it is perfectly possible and most likely probable that music and in particular piano has a positive effect on the brain.

When looking at all of the amazing benefits of playing piano I have to offer my solution to the best and cheapest option that I have found to following your dream of playing piano. As the study by the Univesity of Georgia suggests people are much more likely to stay interested and motivated in playing piano if they get what they want and see it as good value. That’s why I love the learn piano software – Rocket Piano and can’t recommend it enough. After research of so many products online, it’s definitely the one I’d choose. If you’re interested in more information follow this learn piano software link to another page on my site.