You might be thinking of taking up the piano to become a master pianist, to perform in public or to play the Chopin’s nocturnes, but did you know that playing the piano can actually have some incredible health benefits?

Here’s what learning the piano could help do for you:

Reason 1: It can reduce your stress levels

Playing the piano can be a great way to relieve stress. You can sit at the piano and fill your mind with nothing but the most gorgeous piano music – helping you to forget the stresses and strains of a rough day at the office! Yes, playing the piano will certainly reduce your stress levels!

Reason 2: It can increase cognitive development

Numerous scientific studies have shown that playing an instrument stimulates the brain in a unique way. When playing the piano, neurological pathways are connected. These pathways can even help you in other disciplines – such as maths, science, and engineering! This will have a very positive effect on your career by helping you to become a more disciplined and structured individual. (Professional musicians often become great traders for example as they understand the importance of practice!) You will raise your IQ by a few points and improve your ability to reason!

Reason 3: It will help you through difficult times

It is a proven fact that music has healing qualities as can be seen in the article Music as medicine by the American Psychological Association According to the article on the vibration of musical notes has a healing effect on numerous symptoms. Depression is often treated with musical vibration. The truth is, music goes beyond the realm of everyday life and reaches into the very fibre of human life, existence and questions. By learning to play the piano, you will benefit from this incredible healing powers of the vibrations and sounds of the notes. It can help you get through difficult times and help you to find strength in times of trouble. It can be an escape from stress and help resolve tension. Music is simply divine! Playing the piano can be a social activity, particularly if you take up group lessons. These are a fantastic way to learn which give you a supportive network of friendly fellow piano lovers – it means you’ll never be without someone to chat to, and can help keep feelings of loneliness at bay. 

Reason 4: It can decrease loneliness

Playing the piano can be a social activity, particularly if you take up group lessons. These are a fantastic way to learn which give you a supportive network of friendly fellow piano lovers – it means you’ll never be without someone to chat to, and can help keep feelings of loneliness at bay.

Reason 5: It raises aural awareness
Those who don’t play an instrument may never be able to identify pitches, but if you take up the piano your aural awareness will increase threefold. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll even be able to identify tones, intervals, and chords by ear. You will also be more attentive and able to listen to important meetings, speeches and work-related communications giving you an extra edge in your career!

Reason 6: It will help you live longer and stronger!
Believe it or not, learning to play the piano later in life can actually slow down the ageing process! Studies have found that those who take up the piano in their adult and senior years have increased levels of Human Growth Hormone, which slows the effects of ageing. Another very pertinent reason to start taking piano lessons!

Author: Stefan Joubert is the manager of the London Piano Institute. He is passionate about helping adults learn how to play the piano on Skype, FaceTime or in person. He truly believes that no one is too old or not talented enough. He is your first port of call for anything piano lessons related.