All those hours of music practice are worth so much more than just having the perfect performance. Music is creative; it brings us joy; it unites us and brings about positive change. But it also acts as an amazing tool in other areas of our lives. Music impacts us in so many ways; here are just a few:
Seeing the Big Picture
Learning to play an instrument does not happen overnight. Many musicians dedicate years to mastering their instrument. So how does this relate to seeing the big picture, you ask? Finding fulfillment in the process of learning helps musicians keep their eye on the prize while still enjoying the present moment, including all the challenges that come with studying music. This may delay the gratification, but as we learn through music, it’s well worth the wait. Seeing the big picture is an ability that serves us in so many areas of our life. Whether applying for a job, getting a degree, shopping for a new home, or tackling parenthood for the first time, many good things require a process. Learning to appreciate that process can make life far more enjoyable.
Time Management
When learning new music, you consider how long it might take to learn it, when you plan to carve out the time to practice, and how to best use your practice time. Understanding the timeline of learning music helps develop time management skills. This same thought process can help plan out other large-scale projects or responsibilities in life.
Perseverance
Learning an instrument can be frustrating, both physically and mentally, and it takes a special skill to stay with something even when difficult or tedious. Life is full of tasks and obligations that are not always enjoyable or pleasant but are necessary and need to be done. The perseverance learned through music helps define the big picture and why sticking with something you care about is incredibly rewarding.
Problem Solving
Having difficulty interpreting a musical score, executing a difficult technical passage, or finding motivation: The problem-solving situations you encounter in music will help when faced with obstacles in your own life. Music helps you regularly practice how to think creatively and use your resources.
Creativity
Playing music is an expression of creativity. The way you approach and interpret your music is unique to you. It helps mold you into an individual and creative thinker and will help you shine in other areas of your life.
Thinking on the spot
Music can require many split-second decisions, and over time, you can become very quick at reacting to small mistakes, surprises in the music, and unexpected outcomes. And we know too well that life has a way of throwing us curveballs or happy accidents. Being able to process events quickly and come up with a solution, even if only temporary, can help you compartmentalize and deal with situations head-on.
Patience
Playing music, practicing, and perfecting the smallest details is a wonderful way to cultivate patience. And when you spend time mastering the details, you see the best results. If you put in the time by practicing slowly, it becomes effortless to gradually make your music move faster. The slow, patient work is what will pay off the most. Patience is one of life’s great lessons.
Communication and collaboration
Music is a fantastic way to communicate. The strategies required to communicate with teachers, collaborate with fellow musicians, and send musical messages to listeners helps build relationships at school, jobs, and other social situations. Listening to people is vital but responding with empathy and understanding to them deepens the experience.
Taking on responsibility
Whether you’re going to recitals, joining ensembles, taking music theory classes, being a musician can be busy. Being a musician teaches us how to take on many responsibilities, wear several hats, and perform under pressure, the very matters that carry over into other aspects of life.
Coping and Stress Management
Music is a creative outlet and can be a therapeutic practice to help deal with stress and other difficult situations. Having the option to cope through music, by either listening or playing an instrument, is a valuable tool that can help balance out many of life’s challenges.What we learn in many ways is that life is like music … with beginnings, middles, and ends. It’s up to each of us how we play it, and how beautiful we make it.
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