Last week in the Benefits of Music part I we discussed passion, self expression and improved hearing. In part II we take a look at 3 more benefits of music.

Reading and Comprehension

Those of us who have gone through a traditional music program know that learning to read music is a difficult and tedious task. One must keep track of multiple components in a musical composition including, time, key signature, rests, repeats, and on and on the list goes. But the ability to successfully do this does not end once you put down the guitar.

One study found that children who had undergone a traditional music program had scored higher than their non-musical counterparts in a test of reading skills and comprehension. This is likely through their ability keep track of various components as they are reading the music, as well as their ability to anticipate the direction of the musical composition.

Advancing Your Coordination

Playing an instrument is not easy, and it takes a lot of practice. But why does it take so much practice? I’ll let the saxophonists answer this question. There are more buttons and level along the side of a saxophone than you can find in the cockpit of a jumbo jet. Coordinating your individual fingers to move synchronously can be daunting at first, but with practice you’ll get the hang of it.

However, creating music doesn’t just involve eye-to-finger coordination. For example, a drummer playing a drum set, sometimes involving more than 10 components must coordinate the movement of all limbs simultaneously. Again, this ability doesn’t stop once you leave the classroom, but will benefit musicians both in the classroom and on the basketball court, you weekend warrior you!

Enhance Happiness

Doing what you enjoy is the ultimate when it comes to making yourself happy. Needless to say, increasing your own psychological well-being has countless benefits including reduced stress, reduced anxiety, and even reduced acne!

What ever your reason may be, I would encourage any who think it is worth the try to pick up a new instrument, or pick up your old one and continue right where you left off. Taking the time recognize the benefits of my own musical endeavors has given me a new appreciation for my musical talents.

What do you gain the most of your musical creating abilities, or musical listening abilities? Tell us about it in the comment box below.

Sources:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090316075843.htm

Guest post: Trevor Blackman is a self-proclaimed online entrepreneur, who also enjoys the musical arts! He spends countless hours playing his guitar and dabbling around on the piano. He is the founder of a social interview website www.FruitoftheWeb.org, where he interviews musicians discovered on YouTube. In his spare time he loves to play with his dog, Henry.