Have you ever thought about playing a bowed instrument but then reasoned, “Learning to play an instrument at my age would be like trying to nail Jell-O to a tree”? Research shows that adults of any age can learn to play an instrument. With the start of the new year, why not consider learning to play one of our stringed instruments and make doing so a part of your new year’s resolution.
You already know listening to good music can be as relaxing as it is entertaining. But did you know older adults are part of a growing population of music students? Alicia Andrews, assistant director and adult division manager at the Lucy Moses School at Kaufman Music Center in New York City states, “In the last few years, more adults are really making music and arts a priority in their lives….”1
Learning to play a musical instrument as an adult is a great way to keep the brain active. While children’s brains are still forming making it easier to learn new skills, older adults are just as capable of learning those same skills although it may take a bit longer. When adults learn new skills, new connections are created in the brain. This is because of neuroplasticity, meaning the brain has the “ability to modify, change, and adapt both structure and function throughout life and in response to experience”2.
Research shows that adults who regularly engage in purposeful musical endeavors increase their cognitive function. Playing an instrument can improve memory, auditory processing and more, creating a “workout” for both sides of the brain, compared to non-musician adults.
Learning to play a stringed instrument is also a great way to relieve stress. Taking the time to play can assist in relaxation and rejuvenation at the end of a busy work day or other times of stress. This is due to a hormone released in the brain called dopamine which stimulates the feeling of pleasure, motivation, focus and more.
In addition to proven research, adults have many life experiences which can aid in developing new music skills. For example, most adults know their own learning styles giving them the advantage to seek out instructors with matching teaching methods.3 Adults are also familiar with various styles of music and able to process abstract ideas such as chords, intervals and other aspects of music theory more easily, and have the discipline needed to practice effectively, to name a few.
With more and more adults incorporating music lessons into their lives, why not consider joining this growing population. Here at Bernhardt House of Violins, we have an extensive list of skilled instructors who can assist you in making your new year’s resolution of playing a stringed instrument a reality.
Click on the link to see the list of available teachers in our area: Private Teachers
