The common perception of musicians is often of a stereotypical geek or someone who is not generally physically fit or active. While television and other forms of media have established this image, it could not be further from the truth. Many experts agree that there are many positive health benefits that come with playing a musical instrument, both physically and mentally.
Marching Band
For as long as time itself, many have argued about whether or not marching band should be categorized as a sport. While that will not be answered today, it is undeniable that performing in a marching band requires an intense amount of physical activity. Members are required to play and move simultaneously for countless hours of rehearsals, as well as many additional hours while performing in front of crowds at football games, competitions, and parades. Not only does marching band provide an intense aerobic workout, but it also provides muscular development. While some instruments can weigh under 5 pounds, instruments like drums, sousaphones, and euphoniums can max out at 50 pounds! All adding up, a marching band can provide its members with serious rigorous exercise (Powell, 2019).
Posture
The ability to sit or stand up straight is one of the major secrets to finding success as a musician. When doing so, musicians can maximize their airflow, getting the amount necessary to play notes on woodwind and brass instruments. In order to maintain ideal posture while holding and playing instruments, musicians must rely on strong abdominal and back muscles Once their posture is improved, musicians typically report alleviation of back and neck pain (“17 Surprising Health Benefits”, n.d.).
Improved Mental Performance
Along with the many physical benefits that come from being a musician are the mental benefits, varying by age range. Those who are at the biggest advantage are those who started playing instruments early in life. A study performed at the University of Kansas Medical Center posted findings showing that “musicians performed better on several cognitive tests than individuals who had never studied an instrument or learned how to read music” (Cicetti, 2013). Brenda Hanna-Pladdy, lead researcher on the survey, believes that the findings show that the brain of a long-time musician “may create alternate connections in the brain that could compensate for cognitive declines as we get older” (Cicetti, 2013).
For those just starting their musical journey, there are still plenty of mental benefits you can achieve without having lots of experience playing an instrument. The most important of these mental benefits is the lessening of anxiety and depression (Cicetti, 2013). Playing music can be heavily influential in the lessening of both anxiety and depression as it helps to curb physical factors that cause such problems, lowering blood pressure, decreasing heart rate, and reduction of stress (Cicetti, 2013).
Overall, there are many physical and mental benefits that come from the playing of music. While some people may benefit greatly due to their lifelong musical experience, it is never too late to start taking advantage of these musical health benefits and improve your life for the better!
Picture courtesy of Pexels (Pixabay)
References
Cicietti, F. (2013, October 21). Is Playing a Musical Instrument Good for Your Health? Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/40597-playing-musical-instrument-good-health.html
Powell, L. (2019, November 25). 10 Reasons Why You Should Be In Marching Band. Minnesota Music Educators Association. https://mmea.org/interval/10-reasons-why-you-should-be-in-marching-band/#:~:text=Physical%20Benefits&text=Marching%20band%20provides%20rigorous%20exercise,and%20using%20correct%20marching%20style.
17 Surprising Health Benefits of Playing an Instrument. (n.d.). Musicnotes, Inc. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.musicnotes.com/now/featured/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/
