Have you ever imagined what the world would be like without music?… To say that life would be pretty dull would be putting it lightly don’tcha think?… I mean, most of us get a decent dose of music everyday of our lives. Now, sometimes we are exposed to music that we would rather not listen to at the moment, but most of the time it serves to enrich our lives in some way, or another…
My Grandparent’s old Wurlitzer piano. I was just practicing a little photography at the moment…
There are many benefits to simply listening to music, as well as playing a musical instrument. I’m going to be a little biased here and say that those of us that are blessed with the talent to play a musical instrument are lucky enough to enjoy music on a larger scale (again, this is my humble opinion here).
Another of my posts you might like about “school band experiences“
A lot of us are given a chance at an early age to give playing a musical instrument a try. For example, in most public elementary and / or junior high schools, there’s the band and orchestra. I personally was introduced to the trumpet in junior high / seventh grade / 12-years-old(?). Unfortunately, I didn’t stick with it when high school came around. Instead, I opted for football. I must say that was not the best decision I ever made, especially since there was no chance of me playing past high school. I’m athletic, but no college or pro ball player. I should’ve stuck with the music in school. But that was then, and this is now…
Anyways… On with some of the benefits of listening to, or playing music…
Releases Stress
I’m sure this is the first benefit that most people think of when listening to music. Of course, the stress relief comes from listening to music that you either put on yourself, or you happen to find the music someone else has put agreeable to your own taste in music. Otherwise, the stress may just keep piling on if you can’t stand what you’re listening to.
For those of us musicians, the stress relief is increased a little bit more when we’re playing an instrument, especially when we’re playing something we really like and we’re playing it well. Not only the playing of the music, but the sounds, tones, that we are able to generate goes a long to towards increasing our satisfaction. For example, I love being able to generate my desired tone through the use of guitar pedals, equalization adjustments, etc. on my guitar amp (when I can). Sometimes, any old setup will do for enjoyment, but when you find that “sweet spot” in your sound, that makes all the difference…
provides motivation
We’ve all heard a song that “gets us going,” that motivates us to complete a difficult task, or just simply makes us enjoy whatever it is that we’re doing that much more. Just take a look around the gym the next time you’re there (if you go to the gym). About half the clientele have headphones, earbuds, or airpods on helping them get through their work out. As much as I like music, I actually don’t prefer to listen to it during my workouts – too distracting – I’m kind of kind of odd that way, I know…
increased mental sharpness
You can do you’re own research but “studies say” that listening to music can indeed increase your mental faculties; however the caveat to this is that it’s when you’re practicing “music appreciation” that “mental sharpness” is affected in a more positive way. When you’re trying to determine the meaning behind the lyrics to a song, or when you are trying to distinguish between the clarinet and the soprano saxophone, or the viola and the cello – that’s when your brain is getting a bit more of a workout.
Now, for some (maybe a lot of) people the above practice may take the pleasure out of just listening to the music. And that’s understandable. Then again, sometimes depending upon the personality / character traits of the person listening to the music, he, or she, may be practicing music appreciation without even realizing it.
Musicians have no choice… I think, for the most part, we’re incapable of listening to a piece of music without noticing certain elements immediately. And the longer someone has been playing an instrument, not only are you getting better at the craft of playing that instrument, but you’re also getting more, and more capable of determining notes, scales, chords, etc. when you hear that instrument being played on the radio (or wherever). But this, of course, this is a good thing in that our minds are more active when there’s music in the air.
Also, the act of learning to play an instrument definitely requires a little brain power. And the more complex the music, the more one’s brain is being engaged, therefore the more exercise your brain is getting. I’m sure (however) that you probably know a musician, or three, that don’t appear “all that bright,” but somehow they can play the guitar (for example)… Of course, there’s no 100% guarantee that any of these benefits will ever be experienced by everyone who either listens to music, or plays a musical instrument…
prepares us for old-age
This one kind of goes with the one above… maintaining our mental sharpness earlier in life may help to prevent such illness as dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease. Of course, crossword puzzles and reading a novel every-now-and-then could help as well. We should probably all read a little more than we do these days. Let me re-phrase that… “I should most definitely read more than I do.”
Provides a distraction
The gym example above can also serve as an example for this benefit as well I guess. But there are also tasks like: driving long distances, washing dishes, etc. that sometimes must be done that just aren’t that exciting and we therefore don’t look forward to doing them – music helps to get us through…
Experience working with others
Going back to the elementary and / or junior high school band and orchestra, these serve as great opportunities for young people to learn to work with others on a different level than just the normal classroom work. But the same goes for adults whether in a professional orchestra, or local band, or church choir.
Working on music in a group can be quite challenging. There’s more aspects to consider when compared to task that don’t involve that much creativity and / or skill. For example, I’ve found that a lot of musicians take their music and musical performances personally. Sometimes there’s just way too much pride involved and it can kind of get in the way of progress. It can even end friendships. So, learning to balance all the personalities involved can sometimes take courage, patience and perseverance...
provides for a “coming together”
Music can serve as a means to bring people together for a common cause. Whether it’s singing a hymn together at your local church, or singing the “Star Spangled Banner” at a particular sports event. Both tend to get everyone that’s present into a certain mood, or even helps to bring focus to the occasion…
Career opportunities
Again… band and / or orchestra… But there’s also: song writing, writing music for film and TV, music supervisor for film and TV, music library manager (film and TV) professional guitar or piano player in professional studios, college professor… etc. …
Enhances visual media
It’s next to impossible to watch something on the “tele” without there being some music in the background. And, in most cases, the music enhances the overall experience for the viewer. That is when the music fits the video imagery and dialogue that’s taking place. That’s where the “music supervisor” mentioned above comes into place. It’s that person’s responsibility to find the right music for the scene(s). Again, if done right, the right mood is set helping to generate the desired emotion in the viewer, whether it’s a happy, sad, or “whatever” feeling…
helps you loose weight
Not so 100% sure about this one but I did read in an article from “a college’s website” that stated that people who to listen to music while they’re eating tend to eat less therefore encouraging weight loss. I’ve personally never noticed a difference in my own behavior. I don’t (normally) have music playing in the background at home while I’m eating, but most restaurants do have some sort of music playing while I’m eating, and stuff my face there just as much as at home, so…… I don’t know… look it up if your curious…
a cure for loneliness
And last, but not least, whenever I find myself alone on occasion, just turning on the TV or radio, or listening to music usually seems to give me a mood-boost. Sometimes, it’s during these (alone) times that I would deliberately watch, or listen to something I don’t usually watch, or listen to whether for educational purposes, or “just because.”….
In Conclusion
As I’m sure you already kind of knew, music certainly enhances our daily lives in a variety of ways, from health, to happiness, to entertainment – All of which are vital for a well-rounded life experience. I think my “overall challenge” to you would be to try to broaden your music genre spectrum a little to see what other types of music out there that you may be missing out on. For musicians, I think its a must, but this could also open new doors in music for the average listener as well… Who knows…
Until Next Time…
