The benefits of music lessons
Music has many positive benefits. How many of us at one point or another in our lives have felt moved by a piece of music? Moods can be changed or enhanced by music, and it can be a personal experience. We value the arts and can see the importance and difference that music can make to all our lives. This is why we are excited to be bringing weekly music lessons to our community. Here are six of the main benefits that music can have for those taking part.
Bringing People Together
Music can bring people together from different backgrounds and cultures, and it allows people to interact regardless of communication skills or spoken language.
One of the many joys of music is the interaction that occurs between people when they are involved in listening to music together, singing in choirs or playing in orchestras, bands or ensembles. Collaborative music activities can improve social skills and help to build relationships.
At Thornleigh we understand and witness the joy that music plays in bringing us together as a community. We come from all over the globe and have a diverse range of gifts, abilities and needs but we can come together to celebrate and worship through music.
Improves Health and Wellbeing
According to research, music and rhythmic vibrations trigger chemical reactions within the brain, altering people’s physical and mental state.
Endorphins
Endorphins are chemicals that are produced by the nervous system that act as stress and pain relievers. Our brains use the same pathways to process pain as they do music. Research has shown that when focusing on singing, playing an instrument or even listening to music, pain is decreased.
Dopamine
The brain releases dopamine during pleasurable experiences. This improves learning ability, mood, attention and emotional responses. Dopamine release can be triggered through listening to a favourite song, singing or playing an instrument. It is what gives us the ‘chills’ when we hear a piece of music that touches us.
Cortisol
Cortisol is an essential hormone linked with stress response. Music is known to induce relaxation and decrease the amount of cortisol in the body, aiding sleep and decreasing anxiety.
Serotonin
This is a chemical that carries messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body. Serotonin plays a key role in our mood, sleep, digestion and ability to heal. Music can trigger the release of serotonin.
Music improves mental health and helps people to regulate their emotions. It can help to lower anxiety and have a positive effect on those suffering with depression. Studies have shown that music reduces fatigue, boosts exercise performance and even helps to alleviate pain.
Music Lessons Increases Confidence
Studies have shown that people who listen to music they enjoy experience an increase in self-esteem and confidence. Performing as part of a group or as an individual can be nerve-wracking but can also give a great sense of achievement and can help to build up confidence and self-esteem.
Music at Thornleigh enables the whole community to support and encourage each other and develops individual talents and interests.
Boosts Creativity
Music is a creative outlet that provides an opportunity for people from all social and cultural backgrounds to express themselves. Here at Thornleigh, we actively encourage creativity and understand the importance that music plays in individuals’ creativity.
We have members of our community who love singing, express themselves through dance, or show skill in playing instruments. These talents are celebrated and nurtured.
Music Lessons Stimulate the Brain and Improves Memory
Music activates almost all of your brain’s different regions and networks. It also strengthens connections between different parts of the brain. Studies have found that listening to music and being involved in musical activities can improve memory and learning.
Music is Fun!
The main reason why most of us enjoy music is because it is fun. The joy we can all receive from music is evident as it lifts everyone’s spirits.
At Thornleigh, we see this at work during weekly music lessons. The smiles on faces, the joy of singing new and familiar songs, the excitement and fun of playing duets together on the guitar or piano, or just dancing around the hall to our favourite songs shows the difference that music can make.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram to see regular updates from our music lesson participants and the progress that they make.
