{"id":7665,"date":"2022-05-16T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-16T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/?p=7665"},"modified":"2023-08-18T09:16:17","modified_gmt":"2023-08-18T16:16:17","slug":"benefits-of-learning-piano","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/benefits-of-learning-piano\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Benefits of Playing Piano"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The benefits of playing piano are numerous. From a healthier brain and better mental health to a more rewarding relationship with art, there are few reasons <em>not <\/em>to start playing piano today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of my favorite benefits of playing piano&#8230;along with a few personal anecdotes on why I think playing piano is awesome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><nav><ol><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#1-lowers-stress-more-effectively-than-other-artistic-activities-\ud83c\udfb9\">Lowers Stress<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#2-gets-you-into-a-flow-state-\ud83c\udf0a\">Encourages Flow State<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#3-stabilizes-brain-degeneration-in-elderly-adults-\ud83e\uddd3\">Stabilizes Brain Degeneration<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#4-gets-you-away-from-screens-\ud83d\udcf5\">Alternative to Screens<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#5-can-treat-depression-\ud83d\udc9d\">Can Treat Depression<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#6-its-the-perfect-mindful-activity-\ud83d\ude0c\">Mindfulness Activity<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#7-improves-self-esteem-\ud83d\udcaa\">Improves Self-Esteem<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#8-kids-who-learn-music-do-better-in-school-\ud83d\udeb8\">Improves School Performance<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#9-its-exercise-sort-of-\ud83c\udfcb\ufe0f\">It&#8217;s Exercise! (Sort Of)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#10-makes-your-brain-more-efficient-when-you-improvise-\ud83d\udca8\">Makes Brain More Efficient<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#11-trains-your-brain-in-different-ways-depending-on-the-genre-\ud83e\udde0\">Trains Your Brain Differently Depending on Genre<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#12-connects-you-with-others-\ud83e\udd1d\">Connects People<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#13-lets-you-appreciate-music-more-deeply-\ud83d\udc97\">Boosts Music Appreciation<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#14-opens-up-your-horizons-\ud83e\ude9f\">Opens Horizons<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h2 style=\"font-size:22px\"><b>\ud83c\udfb9 Your Go-To Place for All Things Piano<\/b><\/h2><p>Subscribe to <i>The Note<\/i> for exclusive interviews, fascinating articles, and inspiring lessons delivered straight to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time.<\/p><iframe class=\"email-form-include\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/center><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"the-benefits-of-playing-piano-body-mind\" style=\"color:#f61a30\"><strong>THE BENEFITS OF PLAYING PIANO: BODY &amp; MIND<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2022\/Mental%20Health%20Month\/lake%20go-keys.jpg\" alt=\"Benefits of playing piano. Woman with short platinum hair playing red keyboard in front of a brook in a forest.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/3-beautiful-melodies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3 Melodies ANYONE Can Play<\/a> for a nature-inspired lesson.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-lowers-stress-more-effectively-than-other-artistic-activities-\ud83c\udfb9\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>#1. Lowers stress more effectively than other artistic activities<\/strong> \ud83c\udfb9<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In one study, college students were sorted into groups where they either played piano, made sculpture, wrote calligraphy, or sat in silence. Remarkably, the piano-playing group experienced far larger drops in cortisol levels than the sculpture and calligraphy groups. So there is definitely something different\u2014and powerful\u2014about playing a musical instrument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/215684363_Piano_playing_reduces_stress_more_than_other_creative_art_activities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">International Journal of Music Education<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-gets-you-into-a-flow-state-\ud83c\udf0a\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>#2. Gets you into a flow state<\/strong> \ud83c\udf0a<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re perfecting an intricate run or letting your imagination go during a jazz solo, playing piano requires a kind of focus that may bring pleasure. This is called the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-flow-2794768\">flow state<\/a> and it happens when you\u2019re doing something you love that challenges you but not to the point of being frustrating. Time flies, and it is a truly fabulous state of mind!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-stabilizes-brain-degeneration-in-elderly-adults-\ud83e\uddd3\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>#3. Stabilizes brain degeneration in elderly adults<\/strong> \ud83e\uddd3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In a study, one group of older adults received piano lessons and daily practice while another group received lessons on music history and appreciation. After six months, the fornix (a white matter tract in the brain) of the music education group declined significantly. Meanwhile, the piano lesson group did not experience the same effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/neuroscientificallychallenged.com\/posts\/know-your-brain-fornix\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fornix<\/a> is associated with memory and naturally declines with age. Learning how to play an instrument, therefore, can be a powerful defense against cognitive decline and, perhaps, dementia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fnagi.2022.817889\/full#h1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-gets-you-away-from-screens-\ud83d\udcf5\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>#4. Gets you away from screens<\/strong> \ud83d\udcf5<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, it feels like our lives are ruled by mobile devices. You\u2019ve probably heard by now <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/society\/2022\/sep\/06\/doomscrolling-linked-to-poor-physical-and-mental-health-study-finds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how bad doomscrolling can be<\/a> for our mental and physical health. One way to stop it? Replace it with an activity that doesn\u2019t require screens, such as learning how to play piano! Your fingers will still be active on a keyboard\u2026but a different kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-can-treat-depression-\ud83d\udc9d\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>#5. Can treat depression<\/strong> \ud83d\udc9d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Music therapy was first recognized by the United States War Department in <a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/8817-music-therapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1945<\/a>. When combined with conventional treatments, music therapy has been shown to effectively <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/benefits-of-music-therapy-89829#toc-effectiveness\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">treat symptoms<\/a> of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Music therapy can also benefit people who suffer from insomnia and chronic and acute pain. And no, you don\u2019t have to be a skilled musician to benefit from music therapy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/benefits-of-music-therapy-89829\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VeryWellMind<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-its-the-perfect-mindful-activity-\ud83d\ude0c\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>#6. It&#8217;s the perfect mindful activity<\/strong> \ud83d\ude0c<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mindfulness meditation can decrease unhealthy rumination, reduce stress, support working memory, and enhance focus, among other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To be mindful is to be fully aware, non-judgemental, and present. Active tasks (like <a href=\"https:\/\/diabetesjournals.org\/spectrum\/article\/30\/3\/171\/32398\/Mindful-Eating-The-Art-of-Presence-While-You-Eat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mindful eating<\/a>) can help with this. So, perhaps playing piano can have a similar <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianistmagazine.com\/blogs\/how-playing-the-piano-can-aid-your-mental-health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">effect<\/a> to traditional meditation. After all, playing the piano is an immersive experience that requires full concentration. So, try it as a mindfulness exercise!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/monitor\/2012\/07-08\/ce-corner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">American Psychological Association<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-improves-self-esteem-\ud83d\udcaa\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>#7. Improves self-esteem<\/strong> \ud83d\udcaa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Learning piano can be challenging, but when you achieve a new milestone, no matter how large or small, the sense of accomplishment can greatly improve your self-esteem! Once in a while, look back at everything you\u2019ve achieved and say to yourself, \u201cWow, I\u2019ve accomplished so much. Surely I can do anything!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a young person, my piano teacher entered me into contests and recitals. While nerve-wracking at times, I can credit these experiences to my confidence in public speaking as an adult. Learning to perform definitely helped me with my self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-kids-who-learn-music-do-better-in-school-\ud83d\udeb8\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>#8. Kids who learn music do better in school<\/strong> \ud83d\udeb8<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are strong correlations between music and math and reading ability. \u201c[T]here&nbsp;might be, and probably are, general learning processes that underlie all academic achievement,\u201d says Martin J. Bergee, who led a 2020 study that confirmed these links. \u201cMusic achievement, math achievement, reading achievement\u2014there are probably more generalized processes of the mind that are brought to bear on any of those areas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2020\/11\/201130150413.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Science Daily<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-its-exercise-sort-of-\ud83c\udfcb\ufe0f\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>#9. It\u2019s exercise! (Sort of)<\/strong> \ud83c\udfcb\ufe0f<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While playing piano probably isn\u2019t an effective way to lose weight, it\u2019s definitely better than sitting in front of the T.V. In fact, playing piano can work your heart as much as a brisk walk. It also works your forearm muscles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/cardinalscholar.bsu.edu\/items\/5e141a27-7193-4309-b118-bfcbb346f006\">Ball State University<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-makes-your-brain-more-efficient-when-you-improvise-\ud83d\udca8\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>#10. Makes your brain more efficient (when you improvise) <\/strong>\ud83d\udca8<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One study found that the more experience a pianist has with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-improvise-on-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">improvisation<\/a>, the less activity they have in the corresponding area of their brains. Improvisers had less activity in the frontoparietal association areas and more connectivity in the prefrontal, premotor, and motor areas of the <a href=\"https:\/\/neuroscientificallychallenged.com\/glossary\/frontal-lobe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">frontal lobe<\/a>. This suggests that the brain increases efficiency in generating creative ideas when this skill is practiced. Perhaps, with practice, creative activities can be \u201cautomated\u201d too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jneurosci.org\/content\/34\/18\/6156\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Journal of Neuroscience<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-trains-your-brain-in-different-ways-depending-on-the-genre-\ud83e\udde0\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>#11. Trains your brain (in different ways, depending on the genre)<\/strong> \ud83e\udde0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At this point, you might wonder which is better for your brain: classical piano or jazz piano? Well, they\u2019ll both change your brain\u2014just in different ways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Classical pianists focus on accuracy and technique (the \u201chow\u201d) while jazz pianists focus on the \u201cwhat,\u201d constantly adapting and improvising to harmonic changes. In one study, jazz pianists adapted faster to unexpected chord changes, while classical pianists adapted faster to unusual fingering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbs.mpg.de\/brains-of-jazz-and-classical-pianists-work-differently\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Max Planck Institute<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-connects-you-with-others-\ud83e\udd1d\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>#12. Connects you with others<\/strong> \ud83e\udd1d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While the piano is often seen as a solo instrument, it can open up your social life! Consider joining an ensemble, playing voluntarily for a senior center or church, or even starting an online or in-person pianist club in your area. Music is always a great conversation starter, especially when you play the same instrument!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-lets-you-appreciate-music-more-deeply-\ud83d\udc97\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>#13. Lets you appreciate music more deeply<\/strong> \ud83d\udc97<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re interested in learning how to play piano, you\u2019re likely someone who already appreciates music. But learning an instrument like piano can allow you to appreciate music <em>even more<\/em>. Piano is a very holistic instrument that integrates theory and practice very well. Learning piano lets you hear details in your music you may have not noticed before and appreciate the ingenuity of your favorite artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-opens-up-your-horizons-\ud83e\ude9f\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>#14. Opens up your horizons<\/strong> \ud83e\ude9f<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The piano is a versatile instrument that can handle any genre you throw at it, from classical to jazz and blues to pop. To get the most out of your piano, play as many genres as you can! You may be surprised by how much you like a genre you\u2019ve never heard before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I grew up on classical music, but discovering jazz pianists like Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, and Bill Evans was a big epiphany. Learning to appreciate jazz has been inspiring and humbling. If you want to dig into other genres, check out these articles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/best-pianists\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">24 Famous Pianists (Classical &amp; Jazz)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-rock-songs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">36 Greatest Piano Rock Songs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"reap-the-benefits-of-playing-piano\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Reap the Benefits of Playing Piano<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want the brain benefits of learning piano but have little experience with the keys, try these free lessons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-in-5-minutes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sound Amazing on the Piano in 5 Minutes or Less<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/3-beautiful-melodies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3 Beautiful Melodies ANYONE Can Play<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/first-piano-song-4-chords\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Play Your First Song With Just 4 Chords<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you fall in love with the piano (we believe you will!), consider joining Pianote as a Member:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<center><a class=\"join\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/trial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TRY PIANOTE<\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Piano is good for you! It can improve mood, slow cognitive decline, and it&#8217;s the perfect mindfulness exercise.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":14980,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1132,1108],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7665","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-musicianship"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7665","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7665"}],"version-history":[{"count":40,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7665\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14981,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7665\/revisions\/14981"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14980"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7665"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7665"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7665"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}