Health Benefits of Playing the Piano
It has been scientifically proven that playing musical instruments can greatly contribute towards good mental health – whilst enhancing skills and ultimately providing fun. Research shows that when music is played, blood flows more easily which, in turn, lowers blood pressure, decreases the stress hormone Cortisol, reduces heart rate and releases endorphins.
How a Piano can impact your life
A Yamaha Piano is the most constant choice of the pianist. This is primarily because of their superior quality, aesthetically pleasing design and impeccable music range. In addition to this there are also a great many health benefits to be gained from playing a Yamaha piano, here we look into the top 8:
Relieving Stress
Music can have a profound effect on our emotions; faster played music can make one feel more alert, optimistic and positive. Whereas a slower tempo can relax muscles, quieten the mind and leave a person feeling soothed. It’s greatly effective for stress management and relaxation. Even just a few minutes taken from the day to play the piano can have a lasting positive effect for the remainder of the day.
Enhancing Split Concentration
For a beginner the requirement to use both hands for different things, to play the piano, can be troublesome to master. However, gradually the skill of split concentration will become second nature due to muscle memory. Further coordination, such as hand-to-eye and fine motor skills, will be developed which will all contribute to greater concentration skills and a sharper mind.
Improving Brain Power
Music stimulates the brain in a unique way. When you play the piano you are in turn improving your attention span, memory, speech, language, mathmatical skills and even increasing your ability to correctly convey emotions. Research suggests that playing music can even increase a person’s IQ by upto 7 points – in both adults and children.
Improving Muscle Strength
Regular playing of the piano will make your fingers, hands, wrists and arms strong – even combatting the natural effects of aging by reducing the loss of muscle mass and bone weakness. For children, the piano is also a great way to develop dexterity.
Increasing Self Esteem
As with any skill, playing the piano takes time. But, with each rhythm mastered comes a sense of achievement and an increased confidence. Whether it’s for your own sense of self or to showcase your talent to others, the results earned are positive.
Aiding the Toleration for Criticism
Nobody likes to be told they aren’t good at something but students of the piano receive constructive criticism as well as lots of positive feedback from their tutors. When criticism is offered in small increments and gently over time, it can prepare a student to be able to accept it in a positive way. This can carry over to other aspects of daily life, such as within relationships, at school or work.
Helping Mental Conditions & Disorders
Anxiety, Depression, Dementia, Autism and ADHD can all be aided through the piano. People who play instruments, on the whole, experience less loneliness, depression and anxiety. Musical therapy is often used for people who have neurological challenges as a form of mental escape whilst also contributing to the increase of certain functions.
You Could Even Live Longer!
Learning to play the piano in later life can slow down the effects of aging. This is due to the increased levels of Human Growth Hormone, which slows down the aging process.