Silly Rabbit: Lessons are not just for kids!

-Meredith Manley

We talk a lot about how many benefits there are for kids to study an instrument: enhancing language and math skills, developing “grit”, and learning to appreciate the arts, just to name a few. But did you know that there are several benefits for adults too? Many adults think they are too old to learn an instrument, but this is absolutely not true. If you are motivated to learn and have the time to practice, then it really is possible! Here are my top 5 reasons why adults should take up an instrument:

• You have a clearer understanding of what your child is learning. Several parents within our studio have started lessons because they want to keep up with their children in their studies and be able to help them with their practice. I think many parents are intimidated by all of the different musical concepts at first, but if your child can learn it, there is no reason why a parent can’t either! Parents really carry the torch in their child’s learning between lessons (teachers only see them once a week for an hour or less!), and being involved in practice can be a nice way to spend one on one time together.

• Music relieves stress. Music can improve your mood and help you unwind during the week. Stepping away to your instrument removes you from the everyday stress of work, family, and responsibilities, and can leave you feeling refreshed afterwards. Whenever I begin to feel overwhelmed or anxious about my to-do list, I make time to sit down at the piano and play, even if it’s just for a few minutes. It definitely helps me clear my mind, allows me to release some of those emotions, and helps me feel a sense of control.

• Music is a lifelong hobby. There is an infinite amount to learn about your instrument- millions of pieces, styles, techniques, improvising, and composing. You could spend your entire life playing your instrument and still not have learned everything that’s out there! I can’t describe how rewarding it is to see yourself improve and master a piece that may have been challenging a few weeks ago. Instead of scrolling through Facebook or watching TV, do something meaningful with your time!

• Learning an instrument can delay the effects of aging. In addition to relieving stress, there are so many research studies about how actively participating in music can create new neural pathways, no matter how old you are. We know that the brain is a muscle, and like any other muscle in your body, if you don’t use it, you lose it! Learning an instrument will not only keep your memory sharp and challenge you cognitively, it can also keep your joints flexible and reduce the effects of arthritis.

• Studying an instrument comes with a built-in community. Group classes for adults are a great place to start, providing you a social environment for learning. When I first moved to Chicago, I took group guitar classes at the Old Town School of Folk Music to meet new people, and I didn’t regret it! I ended up meeting people who would later become close friends. If group classes are not available, you still can make connections with other musicians that you meet in other social settings. It’s always nice to chat with people who have also studied an instrument, and it’s a great way to get past small talk when meeting someone new!

Whether you took lessons as a child and want to return, or you’ve never had a single lesson, we know how to get you started. Reach out to us if you have an interest in taking up lessons, and we will match you with a teacher that’s right for you and your musical goals. If you’ve always wanted to learn, you haven’t missed the boat on this rewarding hobby!