Over my lifetime I have personally seen many benefits of playing piano. However after hours of researching and trying to understand what benefits i have unlocked it became very clear ,there is a clear connection between playing the piano and personal development.
Following my research it was clear that the benefits of playing piano could be split into 4 key categories as listed below.
Intellectual Benefits
Physical Benefits
Mental Benefits
Social Benefits
Here are some questions you might be asking.
Will my children have any benefits of playing piano?
Does learning to play the piano later in life have any benefits?
Will playing the piano aid recovery from head injuries?
Can playing the piano reduce my stress levels?
The answer to all these is YES.
Continue reading to find out the true benefits of playing piano.
Intellectual Benefits
Playing piano is an intense brain workout and can provide so many intellectual benefits.
Want better test scores? Piano playing has been linked with improved math, counting skills and reading. Analytical improvements can be achieved as your brain begins to deconstruct and rebuild music within itself.
Studies using brain scans have shown that playing music is one of the best hobbies to improve activity in the corpus callosum (bridge between left and right sides of the brain), helping you solve problems quicker and improve your ability to multitask
Improved concentration, discipline, patience and time management can all result from playing piano.
All sheet music uses Italian symbols/words so you will soon pick up on some extra vocabulary.
As you develop your musical skills your brain will complete phrases or melodies for you. Giving a greater appreciate for complexities within compositions.
Physical Benefits
Playing the piano can improve both your Body and Mind.
Body
Physical playing the piano is one of the easiest instruments out there as all you need to do is press down on a key. Almost everyone can learn a simple melody within a matter of minutes. The better you get the harder you can push your body.
Your hand to eye coordination and muscle memory will improve after every session. Along with this your finger strength and dexterity will improve.
For younger children learning at an early age can enhance and speed up fine motor skills.
Do you feel you have two left feet or can’t clap along to the beat? Playing the piano will improve your rhythm and coordination. Ensuring you can enjoy yourself when the music starts up.
Mind
The major benefit for your mind is the fact that playing the piano activates both sides of the brain. It lights up both your linguistic/mathematical side and your novel/creative side. In doing so this builds strong links through the corpus callosum which leads to huge brain enhancements (memory improvement, quicker decision making, improved multitasking just to name a few). Playing piano is a full brain workout – engaging your Motor, Visual and Auditory areas.
Playing the piano can act as a recovery tool for brain injuries, motor limitations and prevent dementia.
Added benefit – Music helps movements of patients with Parkinson’s disease as shown in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTjIEtpR4yU&ab_channel=Parkinson%3ARechercheauLuxembourg
Mental Benefits
Modern life can be full of distractions and stress. Roll in the piano, and boom you have an internet free device that can de-stress you and detaching from life’s worries.
Understanding music and its emotional value will allow you to delve deeper into your own feelings and give you a better appreciation of life’s ups and downs.
The piano provides an endless opportunity to increase your creativity, whether that be a beginner playing around with a simple melody or an expert creating complex compositions, there is no limit.
Understanding music and its emotional power can be hugely rewarding and I have found that it leads to my own increased happiness . If you are feeling a bit low or worried, simply playing an upbeat happy song can quickly turn your mental state around. Sometimes by playing the piano your brain will naturally reduce worry and can often solve or improve concerns.
Top Tip- When revising for exams I always have my piano keyboard nearby. I find that a 5/10 min break between focused learning sessions helps me process things and also acts as a nice “screen break” to allow the brain to recover and be ready to get back at it.
Social Benefits
Music is such a huge part of culture and it really is the heartbeat of society. Look anywhere around the globe and you will find endless examples of expression through music.
By learning to play the piano your understanding and knowledge of music will open up doors that may have always stayed shut. There is no set route in what piano music you learn and you can pick up anything from Pop/classical/jazz etc. the list is endless. This can lead to fantastic conversations and recommendations to open your horizons from other enthusiasts.
Simply put, playing the piano for others to hear spreads the love. There is nothing better than being able to play someone’s favorite song for them or surprise someone that may never know that you can play. It really is a life gift.
Wrap up
It is clear there are benefits of playing piano but don’t listen to me. Just look at this list of successful actors, sports stars and influential figures who all enjoy playing the piano. It can’t be coincidence that success and playing piano are intertwined.
- Robert Downey Jr.
- Hugh Jackman
- Johnny Depp
- Zac Efron
- Elijah Wood
- Ryan Gosling
- Halle Berry
- Jennifer Garner
- Sandra Bullock
- Julia Roberts
- Bruce Willis
- Clint Eastwood
- Bill Bailey
- Richard Gere
- Charlie Chaplin
- Richard Nixon
- Christopher Reeve
- Kobe Bryant
- Lionel Messi
- John Cena
Want to learn how to play some easy piano songs so you can realize these benefits of playing piano?
Click Here for a list of easy to play songs that start at beginner level and ramp up to more complex compositions. Just play your brain & body will love you for it.
