Music is a big part of our lives. Chances are you see how important it is every day.
You turn up the volume of your favorite song, humming along, remembering a time from your past when it played a significant role. Maybe you danced to it at your high school prom. Or played it at your wedding.
You might also play specific music depending on your mood. Do you have a playlist for when you’re happy? Or another playlist for when you’re sad?
We all do. That’s because music plays a major part in our overall health, and we’re only just starting to realize its importance. Listening at safe volume levels is a great way to improve your health, raise your mood, and boost your creativity.
But it’s not just listening. In fact, playing has its own added benefits. That’s why playing the piano is high on the list for adding creativity into a child’s life. And awareness is growing, showing it’s equally beneficial for adults to learn the piano too.
Memory
Significant studies are being performed linking the power of music to memory. One study found that listening to favorite songs increases connectivity in the brain. They’re using it to further Alzheimer’s studies. Yet it’s not just listening; creating music improves memory skills. A study shows that musicians perform better in tasks requiring long-term memory skills.
Mood
One of the reasons we love building playlists is because it helps us change our mood. Throw on your “happy” music and feel the smile spread across your face. Or maybe put on your “sad” songs when you really need a good cry. We understand that music controls our moods, and learn to use them well.
Playing the piano allows a musician to express emotions more profoundly. Instead of listening, it can involve the entire body, which in turn helps with better mental health. It’s a great way to control anxiety as you pound out your favorite tunes.
Brain
When we have kids, we look for ways to give them every benefit. We hope to raise happy, healthy children. A popular belief for better emotional health often leads to The Mozart Effect, which simply states that regularly listening to Mozart’s Piano Sonata helped with better spatial reasoning.
Studies show that students score significantly higher after listening to Mozart’s Sonata. But further studies have also demonstrated a larger gap between those who listen, and those who play. If you play the piano regularly, it can improve brain function.
Takeaway
Listening to music is excellent for the brain, especially when you vary the input. Classical, jazz, or your favorite pop music can all have an effect.
But if you want even greater benefits, sit down at the piano instead. Making music on the piano is a great way to increase brain power, and help keep you young at heart for life.
