Guitar Playing is Good For Your Brain
Get your brain going by learning how to play an instrument
A ton of research has been done regarding the benefits of learning to play a musical instrument like the guitar. It is a known fact that the more you learn and practice something, the better you become. When you decide that you want to learn to play the guitar, you are usually thinking how great it would be to learn music and be able to play your favorite songs. The truth is, that during this process, your brain is benefiting because it is learning to function in different ways than it has before. David Joel, a Philadelphia guitar teacher, can tell you all about this hidden benefit when you take guitar lessons.
Here are a few benefits of learning to play the guitar.
Sharpen your memory
Learning to play the guitar can sharpen your memory and help you focus more on things outside the music arena. Your brain is being challenged in different ways and movement becomes more active as well. This leads to growth and change in your brain. This is especially true for older students.
Improve coordination
The guitar requires a certain level of hand to eye coordination in order to be successful at playing. This is developed with practice but enough practice can improve your level of coordination.
Strengthen your concentration
Playing the guitar requires you to focus on numerous things all at once (reading music, moving your fingers and stroking the strings). This sharpens and strengthens your concentration, as you have to pay attention to all aspects of playing the guitar.
Expand creativity
Once you begin learning to play the guitar, you will be inclined to start improvising and this allows your creativity to shine through. It’s fun to create your own music and be proud of what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it.
Boost self-esteem
When you begin to grow with your guitar lessons you achieve a sense of accomplishment. And these achievements will boost your self-esteem and give you the confidence to keep going and get better. These rewards can affect other areas of your life in a good way as well.
Discipline
Learning to play the guitar and practicing on a regular basis will give you structure and the discipline to keep going. If you are disciplined and persistent you will have success in guitar playing. It will also allow you to apply your success in other aspects of your life.
Develop social skills
If you are timid or shy, learning guitar can be an outlet to conspire with like-minded people. Even if you take lessons on a one-on-one basis with your instructor, you will still be able to communicate with other guitar players and have something in common to talk about. It opens up new doors that you would not have otherwise walked through before.