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Whether you are one of the greatest musicians of our times, or you occasionally catch yourself dancing to a tune on the radio, music has touched all of our lives. Of course, we don’t all have the same connection to it. As kids, a lot of us took lessons for one instrument or another, but, chances are after being forced into endlessly repeating scales, you eventually gave it up. Just as well; I mean, it’s not like you were going to make any real money with that thing. The world of music is saturated enough—might as well devote your time to something useful, right?

Well, before you go throwing the baby out with the bath water (did I use that right? I really don’t know what it means), there may be a few reasons to reconsider learning music. First things first, let me say this: I know how daunting it can be to pick up a new instrument, especially if you’re over the age of nine. There’s something kind of sad about an adult struggling through “Yankee Doodle” on the piano, but hear me out. If you can get past that initial cringe, it can open a lot of doors for you. In this article, I’ll cover the physical, mental, and social benefits of learning to play music (but not the financial benefits, because what would I know about that?). But first, I’d like to dispel a few myths surrounding this topic.

Myth #1: I’m too old to learn music

WRONG! Our ability to pick up an instrument doesn’t decrease as we age, like… at all. The only thing that really changes is how we perceive our capacity to learn. This was demonstrated in a study where participants of all ages took ten two-hour guitar lessons. Despite their trepidation, the older folks performed just as well as the young’uns. In fact, getting older may even give you an edge over children, since we develop things like wisdom, self-control, and an ability to sit still for more than twenty GODDAMN minutes.

Myth #2: It has to be perfect

…Why? I mean, yeah, you should strive to improve, that’s kinda the whole point of this, but holding yourself to an impossible standard will undo a lot of the benefits we’ll be talking about. This shouldn’t be a stressful journey (though it will be frustrating at times). Just play and improve at your own pace.

Myth #3: It will make you smarter

Sorry, but it probably won’t. There really seems to be no evidence that learning music will increase IQ, even though it feels like it probably should, for some reason…? Learning musical skills can be useful, but they won’t help you in other disciplines. Playing the guitar won’t make math easier, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other benefits!

Now, enough about things that AREN’T true, let’s look at some that are! Starting with…

Physical Benefits

One of the most important benefits of participating in music (rather than just listening to it) is its ability to relieve stress. Stress is one of the largest contributors to poor health and premature aging. Playing music can lower blood pressure, ward off heart attacks, and give you a better sense of wellbeing throughout your day. It also engages your brain, forms neural connections, and forces you to develop and maintain cognitive motor skills. It’s this reason that many studies have looked at the effect of musical participation in retirement communities, and how it keeps the residents sharp.

Other physical benefits may be more instrument-specific. For example, playing the piano is a great way to build finger strength and dexterity, while singing will develop your respiratory system. I used to play the bagpipes, and that was a full body workout on its own!

Mental Benefits

Stress relief, of course, has benefits beyond physical ailments. Music can be a great way to combat mental health issues related to or aggravated by stress. When we are less stressed, it’s much easier to connect with the people around us, which is a cornerstone of our mental health. Learning music can be extremely frustrating. It can bog us down with thoughts telling us we just can’t do it, which is exactly why we must. By enduring through the challenge and proving ourselves wrong, we show that we are much more capable than we thought. Developing persistence in the face of adversity is the best way to increase our confidence and self-esteem. Overcoming one challenge encourages us to take on another. One small, manageable challenge can open doors you thought forever closed.

Social Engagement

Music is, first and foremost, a language. The more we develop our vocabulary in this language, the better we can express ourselves, and the better we can understand others. Music has been used since the dawn of civilization to help people connect, and it can help you too. By learning from others, teaching, and collaborating, we are constantly reminded that other people aren’t so different from us. Choirs, for example, facilitate intergenerational socializing by connecting people through a common love of music. Music is such an integral part of our society—of any society—that it can’t be embraced without embracing the community that supports it. 

Music speaks to all of us differently, but it is a skill we all benefit from learning. It’s not a matter of being musically inclined (I promise you, you’ll surprise yourself), it’s a matter of what you deserve, and who doesn’t deserve a happier, healthier life. Whether you’re learning a complex movement on the piano, or just a catchy tune on the harmonica, you’ll be a more confident, capable, and interesting human being for it.