Playing the piano is a fantastic hobby. There are copious benefits from the study of a musical instrument. Here are twenty reasons to encourage exploration of this truly wonderful pastime:
1.
Music creates happiness. It is central to human health and, for many, human existence. To be given the chance to make music is vital because it can supply an emotional and creative outlet.
2.
Playing the piano is an excellent source of pleasure and fulfilment, providing a deep sense of satisfaction.
3.
Many people believe that children and adults who take part in musical activities are happier. They are also more sociable than those who don’t.
4.
Music making bestows great opportunities for social interaction, group activities and communal endeavour.
5.
Playing the piano can boost creative thinking.
6.
Playing any instrument requires commitment, determination and perseverance which are all great personal attributes.
7.
Piano playing requires physical strength. It also requires regular practice. This activity is akin to working out. It hones certain muscles. These efforts can help to keep students fit and healthy.
8.
The piano provides both melody and harmony, and can therefore be played solo without any accompaniment. This is not the case with many other musical instruments. Instruments like the clarinet or violin only produce one musical line. They usually produce the melody line, so an accompaniment or ‘backing’ is always needed.
9.
It’s easy to make coherent sounds on the piano from the very beginning. This is because it has ready-made pitches. You depress a key and it makes a sound which differs from other instruments.
10.
Mastering the piano requires a tremendous amount of co-ordination (you really do have to multi-task!) thus cultivating useful mental skills. It really focuses the mind and aids in its development. It can help motor development, particularly the coordination of the hands, eyes, and body.
11.
The study of music extends the learning process. Children who excel at piano playing often do well at school too. Music, specifically, can amplify and boost memory development, as well as enable a higher level of concentration.
12.
Once a competent level has been attained, many other skills will seem ‘easy’ to learn. Problem solving becomes a natural process.
13.
Those who study music usually have a more positive outlook and attitude. They are often more motivated and are less intimidated when learning new things.
14.
Playing the piano proffers the perfect opportunity to perform. Performing is so important. It can build confidence which is crucial for success in all walks of life.
15.
Piano playing can develop into a passion. It can provide an interest in life. Those who play will always have something to think about. They will also have something to talk about.
16.
If you can enjoy an all-encompassing hobby such as this, you will never be bored. There will always be something new and exciting to discover.
17.
You can explore all kinds of music and repertoire when you’ve studied the piano basics. Jazz, Pop, Rock, Musical Theatre, and Improvisation are just a few options. The possibilities are almost endless.
18.
It can be a relaxing activity, counteracting the stress of everyday life, procuring a sense of calm and well–being.
19.
You will always be a popular guest at a party, and will instantly impress your friends and family!
20.
It’s fun!
We should all have the opportunity to learn an instrument at some point in our lives.
I really liked all the reasons, especially number 20:)
I have a question-is it possible to forget how to play the piano? I’ve been playing for 12 years, and recently i had to take a break (not forever i hope). Is it like riding a bike? Or once you stop practicing, the technique is gone?
Hi Efrat, I think Karen is right, you don’t forget at all. So glad you liked the article – thank you 🙂
It’s my experience you don’t forget. Piano playing requires ‘ muscle memory’ and, even if you haven’t played for years, if you originally attained a reasonable standard that comes back very quickly. I own a piano retailer business and we regularly have customers who learned to play in their youth and haven’t played for 20 years or more. We give them some music, and off they go! It surprises them as well!
Thanks for the quick replys:) I played this weekend after not playing for 6 months, and was surprised that i hadn’t forgotten a single note, somehow my hands remember better than my mind.
Nice post. Agree with all except number 7 re. The benefits to physical health. My view (cant back it up with evidence!) Is that Piano playing will not imorove cardiovascular fitness or other indicators of fitness. Some strengthening if forearms and wrists is about all.
Hi, Glad you like the post. Thank you. Re Number 7, it all depends how much you move round the keyboard. If you play a virtuoso piece which requires a lot of power, it can be physically demanding. Certainly that’s my experience anyway.
These reasons are good to consider.These gives me the desire to play piano.I like to play piano and also love music.These reasons keep me going.Thanks for sharing.
Many thanks for your kind comments. Much appreciated.