From the desire to take up a new hobby to relishing the challenge of developing an additional skill, there are many reasons people consider learning to play the piano – yet few do so because they believe it will be good for them.
But it is – and in more ways than you might imagine!
Want to discover more about how playing the piano is great for physical, mental, and emotional well-being? Then keep reading.
The power of the piano
1. Mood
There’s a reason you turn up the radio – because music has the power to make us feel all kinds of emotions.
Whether it prompts feel-good energy or a cathartic cry, playing the piano can help you manage your emotions and enhance your mood.
The physical act of playing can also help to relieve stress and reduce anxiety levels.
2. Memory
One of the biggest benefits of piano playing is how great it is for memory.
Music is frequently used to reduce cognitive impairment and trigger memories, and by playing the piano you are engaging your brain’s recall functions – helping to enhance your ability to store and retrieve memories.
3. Patience and discipline
Good things don’t always come easily and, for most people, learning to play the piano involves hard work, patience, and discipline.
Nailing your cords or performing your latest piece without falter takes dedication and hours of effort.
For this, you need to learn to manage your time to ensure you can put the practice in.
This, alongside keeping your emotions in check and learning not to get too frustrated when the hundredth run-through still goes wrong, are great skills to develop.
4. Academic ability
We’re not joking. Playing the piano can help to strengthen IQ.
The act of playing the piano actually stimulates every area of the brain at the same time.
So, whilst you might think you’re having fun, your brain is having a full workout!
Playing is particularly good for fine-tuning motor skills. It also increases memory and recall and can help enhance cultural awareness as you explore different musical forms.
5. Social skills
Think playing the piano is a solo skill? On the contrary – it can be hugely sociable.
Frequently the instrument is used to bring people together – choirs, orchestras, a pub sing-song, or family Christmas carols, all have one thing at their heart, a piano.
And it can help to unite people over a common love of music, too.
6. Confidence
Not sure you’d be brave enough to volunteer to play for a choir or to lead the teatime drinkers at your local? Take up the piano and you may surprise yourself.
Playing the piano can help to increase confidence level. The challenge of learning can give you a real boost, leaving you feeling successful and capable of taking on other challenges.
7. Posture
Good playing is all about good posture.
Slouching is an absolute no-no. You need to sit tall and lengthen your back.
The correct sitting position can free up your body to enjoy a full range of movement at the keys.
Not only will this enhance your playing ability, but it’s also likely to become your default when not playing, too.
Helping to limit strain on your back, shoulders, and neck, and prevent aches and pains.
All this from playing the piano? The sooner you get started the better.
Find a great range of pianos for sale online, with fast and efficient delivery and start reaping the benefits today.