5 Reasons Why You Need To Learn The Piano

Learning to play the piano makes us better.

I am a fairly humble person, but I can confidently say that piano players (myself included) have a winning edge simply because we are piano players.

Numerous studies from around the world actually prove that learning how to play piano can and will improve multiple areas of your life. Personally, learning to play the piano has done more for me than I could have ever imagined! So, whether you want to simply play for the fun of it, perform center stage at Carnegie Hall, or become the keyboardist for a rock and roll band, learning to play the piano WILL make you better.

Here are five reasons why you need to learn the piano:

1. Music Makes Your Smarter

Music engages basically every part of the brain. No other activity does this the way learning an instrument does. Here are a few ways this works.

Practice and performance require repetition! Repetitive actions cause myelin to grow around our nerves. This is a really good thing because myelin protects the information and energy in our nerves. It is like a safety blanket for the information pathways in our brain. The more myelin we have, the healthier the nerve pathways in our brain become. This means that we can quickly process and retain information, problem solve, regulate behaviours and make choices better!.

Who doesn’t want to be better at those things?!

If quick thinking isn’t enough, music also improves our ability to integrate sensory information for hearing, touch and sight. Those hours spent perfecting Minuet in G were doing far more than just helping you play your favorite Bach tune. Our heightened sensory reception is an asset to our daily tasks helping us to excel at school, work, play, sports, video games – the list goes on!

2. Less Stress!

Playing music can help with depression, anxiety and stress. Have you ever gotten so “lost” in a song that you forgot everything else? It is the best feeling ever, almost like a vacation for your mind. Music can provide an outlet for stress and a point to focus on when everything else feels out of control. Sound and rhythm soothe, inspire, and can calm your mind and soul.

3. Superhuman Problem-Solving Powers

Have you ever wanted to increase the size of your brain? Well, you are in luck! Playing the piano increases your corpus callosum capacity in both power and size!

Huh?

Let me explain.

Think of it this way. The brain has two sides. The left brain manages logical thinking required for skills like math and science. The right brain is more creative and takes care of functions like insight and imagination.

The corpus callosum is the bridge between the two.

Now, when you practice piano, the corpus callosum gets activated, bridging the gap between the two sides of the brain. This allows you to access your logic AND creativity with superhuman efficiency. Piano players and other musicians just might have the ability to solve problems more efficiently, logically and creatively than non musicians.

4. Confidence & Self-Esteem Booster

With competency comes confidence. It is that simple.

Having a skill gives us something to feel good about. Spending hours and hours working on a piece of music and then experiencing the joy of being able to play it with excellence is soooo satisfying.

Remember those super powers from reasons 1, 2, & 3? Well those are enough to give anyone a strong confidence boost don’t you think? The improved cognitive function and anxiety reducing effects of learning the piano also work towards an overall feeling of confidence and self worth! As your confidence and competence as a musician grows you may find yourself connecting to the musical community around you. Making new friends that play and enjoy music. Performing for others and being able to share in the joy they feel as they experience the music that YOU make. Doesn’t that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside already?

5. Music Makes Your Body Healthier

Yep. Learning to play the piano can increase human growth hormone levels.
This human growth hormone (HGH) is linked to reduced aches and pains, increased energy levels, musical mass and slower onset of degenerative diseases.

See where I am going with this? I’m not saying that learning the piano will give you the fountain of youth, but it can help with some of the not so pleasant aspects of growing older.

Well, there you have it. 5 reasons why you need to learn the piano.

At Pianote we strive to create a learning experience that is exciting, engaging and will help you to meet your goals whatever they are. We’ve got lessons that cover everything from the very basics to advanced concepts in all the styles. We are here to help you on your learning journey. So please, come join us so that we can help make the world a better place one piano player at a time!

Here are 3 ways you can get started

1. This blog! (Free piano lessons organized into a wide range of topics)

2. Getting Started on the Piano: A free video series to help you get started, right from day 1.

3. Pianote Membership: Get step-by-step curriculum, weekly live lessons and unlimited personal support for faster results!

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