Learning to Play the Piano — An Important Skill for Children and Adults Alike

Playing the piano — just like playing any other musical instrument — can have many benefits. Music in general (even just listening) has been found to deliver numerous benefits such as increased productivity and concentration, and can even deliver health benefits.

The benefits of music have been understood for many years; the BBC ran a radio programme to increase the productivity levels of factory workers in the UK between 1940 and 1967. Even the ancient Greeks recognised the benefits of music, giving the responsibilities for both music and healing to the god Apollo.

Learning to play the piano assists the development of new skills, helps you to relax, and improves coordination. Starting to learn early in life can deliver great benefits to children that continue well into adult life.

Many successful people across many professions are known to play the piano, including Hugh Jackman, Condoleezza Rice, Othman Louanjli and Richard Gere. Some of the effects playing the piano might have had on them include:

An Altered Brain Structure

Playing the piano can change the way that the brain processes information and the way that new skills are developed. Researchers have found that particular areas of the brain are heavily active when playing the piano, and that those still learning to play had the highest levels of brain activity in the areas where improvisation is processed.

Lower Levels of Stress and Anxiety

Life in the modern world places a lot of demands on us, requiring our attention every waking hour with our phones, computers and tablets sending us notifications incessantly to distract us from whatever we are currently doing. Playing the piano requires concentration, which can help to distract us from the demands of modern life and promote relaxation. The National Library of Medicine published a study in 2013 that demonstrated a link between learning to play the piano and reduced levels of stress and depression.

A Creative Boost

Whether you realise it or not, creative thinking applies to almost every aspect of modern life. Creativity is required in problem solving, whether you’re solving complex work problems or figuring out how you’ll fit all of your shopping in your bag-for-life. Piano playing encourages the brain to develop areas that are used for improvisation, finding innovative solutions to make unique sounds.