Summer is over and we have shaken the last of the sand from our flip flops. That 'back to school' feeling is in the air! September heralds the start of a new season and a fresh start; in fact, the perfect time to begin something new like learning to play a musical instrument.
Instead of waiting until January and the dead of winter to start a new hobby, it’s a far better choice to start now and reap the benefits of September’s harvest season. Without the pressure of January’s New Year Resolutions, you don’t need to rush to join the gym or slimming club by 01 January, go at your own pace and your results are going to be far more fruitful. There are so many great reasons to pick up an instrument and play in September.
Children and teenagers face so many different pressures which can result in stress, anxiety and depression. Starting a new school or moving to a 'big' school can be hard and a worrying time for both children and parents. Research has shown that learning to play a musical instrument has a positive effect on mental health and well-being. Music making helps us feel accomplished and will boost confidence and self esteem. On a developmental level, playing a musical instrument changes the brain and these brain changes have positive impacts on concentration, listening skills, learning and cognition.
Don’t be tempted to sign up your child to too many after school classes, it will squeeze the fun and enjoyment out of learning a new skill and leave them feeling swamped. Worried about making friends? Learning to play a musical instrument will help children and young people find friends with a shared interest. Playing music in the school band or orchestra will also help develop valuable team working skills and boosts self-esteem. Music making may even be the start of a life-long hobby or a career.
When our own children start learning to play music, most of us remember our own music lessons with a sense of nostalgia - and for too many of us, there is some regret in not having continued. This can be the perfect time to dust off the guitar or get the old violin down from the attic. Or, for those of us who didn't get the opportunity to learn as a child, seeing your own kids play can prove the perfect springboard for also taking up an instrument. In some cases, today's children may eventually put music on hold due to pressures of school and exams - but many parents continue learning regardless.
People of any age can learn to play music and, given today’s longer lifespans, it’s a safe bet that if you start playing an instrument in later life, you can keep on playing and progressing for decades, whichever instrument you choose. Older returners invariably describe an incredible sense of re-discovery, a sense of release and forgotten joy when learning and playing.
Playing a musical instrument in retirement, even a little, helps you stay mentally and physically agile. Additionally, there have been many research studies that show playing an instrument can enhance emotional well-being, brain health, cognition and hearing function.
Commit to just a few minutes practice a day and imagine how much you could achieve by Christmas time! You could surprise family and friends with your new found skills or put an impromptu performance at the office party! Set aside regular time to develop and improve your technique or with prior musical experience and lots of enthusiasm perhaps even pass your Grade 1 Piano exam. Bear in mind that it’s not all about passing grades; learning to love music and to be happy and confident when you are playing is a great reward.
There are some great online apps around and Yamaha instruments with built-in training functions to help you develop as a musician. For example, the Yamaha DTX432K Electronic Drum Kit provides beginner drummers with an entry-level kit that will improve drumming skills and techniques while introducing intuitive, app-driven challenges and rewards to encourage them to keep playing.
Looking for more inspiration? We are holding our Autumn Learn to Play Day in our London store on 14th September 2019 featuring FREE one-to-one taster music lessons with professional music teachers on acoustic and electric violin, viola, the clarinet, the saxophone, the trumpet, the trombone, the French Horn and the piano.
Simply turn up early on the day to book. The free, one day event is open to everyone, regardless of age or ability. Customers are also welcome who already play and may have some burning questions to ask about moving to the next level or choosing their next instrument.
