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’t you think?… I mean, most of us get a decent dose of music every day of our lives.
Now, sometimes we are exposed to music we would rather not listen to at the moment, but most of the time it enriches our lives in some way or another…
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 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).
Many of us are given the chance to try playing a musical instrument at an early age. For example, in most public elementary and/or junior high schools, there are a band and an orchestra. I was introduced to the trumpet in junior high (seventh grade), around 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 I’m 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 on that is agreeable to your own taste in music. Otherwise, the stress may 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 and tones we can generate go a long way towards increasing our satisfaction. For example, I love being able to dial in my desired tone with 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 that 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). About half the clientele wear headphones, earbuds, or AirPods during their workout. As much as I like music, I actually don’t prefer to listen to it during my workouts – too distracting – I’m kind of odd that way, I know…
Increased mental sharpness
You can do your 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 more positively. 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 many) people, the above practice may take the pleasure out of just listening to the music. And that’s understandable. Then again, sometimes, depending on the person’s personality / character traits, they 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 they getting better at the craft of playing that instrument, but they’re also getting more and more capable of determining notes, scales, chords, etc., when they hear that instrument being played on the radio (or wherever). But this, of course, is a good thing in that our minds are more active when there’s music in the air.
Also, learning to play an instrument definitely requires some brainpower. And the more complex the music, the more one’s brain is engaged; therefore, the more exercise your brain is getting. I’m sure (however) that you probably know a musician or three who 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 illnesses as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Of course, crossword puzzles and reading a novel now and then could help as well. We should probably all read a little more than we do these days. Let me rephrase that… “I should most definitely read more than I do.”
Provides a distraction
The gym example above can also illustrate this benefit. But there are also tasks like driving long distances, washing dishes, etc., that sometimes must be done and just aren’t that exciting, and we therefore don’t look forward to doing them – music helps get us through…
Experience working with others
Going back to elementary and/or junior high school band and orchestra, these offer great opportunities for young people to learn to work with others at a level beyond the normal classroom. But the same goes for adults, whether in a professional orchestra, a local band, or a church choir.
Working on music in a group can be quite challenging. There are more aspects to consider when compared to tasks that don’t involve that much creativity and / or skill. For example, I’ve found that many musicians take their music and performances personally. Sometimes there’s 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 put everyone present in a certain mood, or even help bring focus to the occasion…
Career opportunities
Again… band and / or orchestra… But there are also: songwriting, 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 music in the background. And in most cases, the music enhances the overall viewing experience. That is when the music fits the video imagery and dialogue. That’s where the “music supervisor” mentioned above comes into play. 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 lose 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 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, and I stuff my face there just as much as at home, so…… I don’t know… look it up if you’re curious…
A cure for loneliness
And lastly, whenever I find myself alone, turning on the TV or radio or listening to music usually gives 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 know, music certainly enhances our daily lives in a variety of ways, from health to happiness to entertainment – all of which are vital to a well-rounded life experience. I think my “overall challenge” for you would be to broaden your musical horizons a bit and explore other genres you might be missing out on. For musicians, I think it’s a must, but this could also open new doors in music for the average listener as well… Who knows…
Until Next Time!
Featured Image: My brother and I at various times: My brother behind another friend’s set of drums back in the early 90’s in Spartanburg, SC; Me on our Wurlitzer piano in Sptbg, SC; Me in my basement would-be home studio in Missouri.
