The Undervalued Role of Music in Adult Lives

We know that learning an instrument can bring numerous benefits to a child’s life, from improved test scores and better organizational skills to enhanced intelligence. Plenty of science-backed studies provide data to support these claims. These studies often leave out the most important aspect of playing an instrument as a child—it can bring profound joy.

Yet, the narrative of music being beneficial often ends with childhood. Once the tests are taken and the brain fully developed, music is no longer seen as necessary and many children grow into adults who "wish they still played."

The benefits of playing an instrument aren’t purely developmental. Research increasingly shows that music has a profoundly positive impact on adult life. Here’s what we know:

Music and Your Health

Learning an instrument as an adult can improve long-term memory and reduce the risk of heart disease. Studies show that picking up an instrument later in life positively impacts brain and heart health by increasing neuroplasticity and temporarily lowering blood pressure. The saying, “what’s good for the heart is good for the brain,” rings true. Neuroscientists like Dan Levitin ("This is Your Brain on Music"),  and the ever trending Andrew Huberman have explored music’s positive effects on the brain and overall health.  For a deeper dive into music and the brain, Oliver Sacks' "Musicophilia" presents incredible, almost supernatural case studies on music’s transformative power.

Music as Therapy and Stress Relief

Music therapy is an expanding field showing great promise in treating PTSD and various psychological disorders. As a natural stress reliever, music fosters emotional expression and healing in ways traditional therapies may not. It provides a therapeutic outlet for channeling emotions, encouraging both recovery and personal growth.

The Social Benefits of Adult Music Education

One of the most rewarding aspects of adult music education is the social connection it fosters. Learning an instrument as an adult creates bonds with mentors and builds a community of fellow musicians and listeners. Social connections are vital for maintaining brain health as we age. Through music, adults discover companionship, a sense of purpose, and the joy of creating something meaningful together.

Cultural Intelligence Through Music

Music doesn’t just benefit our physical and mental health; it’s also a gateway to understanding different people, places, and times. By studying various genres, we broaden our cultural and generational awareness. This exploration fosters empathy and enriches our perspective of the world around us.

Take jazz, for example—a truly American art form. Studying the history and tradition of jazz offers insights into our own cultural landscape. You might start by learning about Congo Square. Jazz is not just music; it’s a living history of resilience. By learning about it, we gain a deeper understanding of our own world.

The Joy of Music: Happiness is Healthy

Most importantly, music brings happiness. Happy is healthy. In a recent interview with Stephen Colbert, Dr. Francis Collins, former director of the NIH, discussed the connection between music and health. "When you listen to a piece of music, it gives you a chill, it causes you to feel suddenly transported, you just dumped a whole bunch of dopamine in your ventral striatum." Colins could barely contain his excitement. This might help explain the $22 million the NIH recently invested in music research.

Whether you’re rediscovering an instrument you played as a child or learning to play for the first time, picking up an instrument as an adult offers endless opportunities for growth, challenge, and joy. Music lifts the spirit, deepens our connection with ourselves, and transports us to magical places.

In short, music isn’t just for kids. If you’re considering returning to an instrument or learning a new one, check out Metempo.com - A platform designed for busy adults that provides a better way to learn by connecting music instructors and students in a continuous feedback loop allowing for flexibility, accountability and personal connection. 

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