Most of us know that a balanced diet, daily exercise and mindful practices like meditation can do wonders for our health but it may surprise you to know that music can have just as significant an impact.
There’s an abundant amount of research that proves musical activity to be beneficial to both the human mind and body. In The Harvard Medical School’s blog on music and health, a 2010 review reported that learning to play an instrument may enhance the brain’s ability to master tasks involving language skills, memory and attention. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as further studies since then have shown that learning to sing or play a musical instrument have even more health benefits than we could ever have imagined.
Here are my top five benefits of singing and playing an instrument that may encourage you to consider learning to play an instrument of your own or to step up your current music practice.
1) Improves Immune Function
Playing a musical instrument or singing can lower your blood pressure, which decreases stress levels. It improves your immune system and brain function overall, which further diminishes the risk of diseases.
2) Keeps The Mind Sharp
Playing a musical instrument and singing is good for your brain as it helps retain listening skills and minimizes cognitive decline as we age.
3) A Natural Happy Pill
Playing a musical instrument and singing can switch off your stress response, improving physical and emotional health.
4) Improves Respiratory System
When learning vocal technique and training, one of the first things you learn is how to breathe properly. Efficient breathing is a vocalist’s best habit. Learning to control your breathing is very similar to meditation and other exercises that improve the respiratory system.
5) A Wonderful Outlet for Self Expression
Playing a musical instrument and singing is a beautiful form of self-expression. It promotes a sense of self and becomes a positive outlet for relieving repressed emotions and internal distress. It’s a form of art that lets you express your true self and helps to keep you emotionally happy.
Bread & Roses is now offering online music lessons on Zoom! Learn to play the music that you love with our wonderful community of music educators in the comfort of your own home practice space.
For more information please visit: https://www.breadandroses.org/post/bread-roses-presents-online-music-classes
Or contact Francesca Lee directly at flee@breadandroses.org
415-816-4862