Playing the Piano - How it Can Improve More Than Musical Abilities

Music is a tool that is widely considered to have numerous benefits. It can improve concentration, increase our productivity levels, and even provide health benefits. The Greeks believed in this so much that they put one god, Apollo, in charge of both music and healing. Learning to play a musical instruction such as the piano can assist in the development of new skills and offer many other benefits. Learning to play the piano as a child can deliver benefits well into adult life.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety Levels

Our modern lifestyles place huge demands on us. Our attention is demanded all of the time as the little communication devices in our pockets continually beep and ping with new notifications. Learning to play the piano can distract from the demands of everyday life and help you to relax. A 2013 study that was published in the National Library of Medicine found that learning to play the piano can treat depression and reduce stress.

Professional Success

Many people who have been successful in their respective fields are regular players of the piano. This includes actors such as Richard Gere and Robert Downey Jr., finance professionals such as
Othman Louanjli and Stephen Ridley, and politicians such as Condoleezza Rice and Richard Nixon. Whilst playing the piano doesn’t necessarily mean you will be successful, it is clear that the successful are often amateur musicians.

Better Creative Thinking

Creativity is a skill that is required in almost all walks of life, both in work and outside of it. It is not just the creative industries that require creative thinkers; creativity helps to improve problem solving skills which are required in almost all jobs, as well as being useful outside of work. Learning to play the piano encourages the brain to improvise, which helps to develop the ability to find innovative solutions to any and all challenges life can throw at you.

The Virtue of Patience and Perseverance

Just like learning any musical instrument, learning to play the piano takes a long time and a lot of effort. Practising regularly requires a great deal of discipline, particularly since progress can be very slow when starting out.

History of the Piano from Othman Louanjli