Possibly the most obvious reward for learning to play a musical instrument is the ability to make music and operate the instrument which is enjoyable in itself. However, most musicians will say that they have acquired several significant life skills from studying music besides how to be disciplined, creative and dedicated enough to master their craft. The following are ten more life skills to consider when learning music:
-The ability to see the big/overall picture since learning to master an instrument does not happen overnight, over a month or over several months, so the ability to find satisfaction in the process of learning including all of the challenges it encompasses. While this typically means delaying gratification, keeping an eye on the long-term goal is well worth the wait but so is earning a college degree or becoming a new parent.
-The ability to manage time is an integral part of learning music as well as being able to prioritize the time spent in playing since it is impossible to cram before a performance or prior to a music lesson. Music takes a great deal of time to sink into your brain, hands and/or voice. Comprehending the timeline necessary to learn music is a fantastic way to practice time management as well as to learn how to best use your practice time which is akin to the same thought processes necessary for mapping out other types of large-scale projects.
-Perseverance is an integral part of learning music which can be both physically and mentally frustrating whether you are a vocalist or an instrumentalist. There are times when it would be easier to just give up, so it takes a special skill to remain doing something when you know it will be challenging and not always enjoyable. Life overall presents us with many tasks that may not be pleasant but our only option is to get them done, so pushing through difficult passages can ultimately be incredibly rewarding.
-Music often does not present you with a clear-cut answer which results in having difficulty interpreting the score, executing a series of technical measures or mustering sufficient motivation to continue practicing. Music can present multiple opportunities to generate creative and unique solutions to these and other types of issue you are facing where it becomes necessary to contact a colleague, view a tutorial or conduct some research. These types of problem-solving situations encountered in music can assist with creative thinking and locating resources when facing obstacles in other parts of your life.
Learning music is an especially wonderful way to find creative expression through the way you approach and interpret your music. Music is a means of communication via not only the music and lyrics but also the touch on the keys of the piano or your chosen instrument.
-Music teaches you to think on your feet, to make many split-second decisions over and over again, so that over time you can become very adept at reacting to small mistakes, unanticipated outcomes as well as surprises in the music especially when sight reading it.
-Accuracy in playing music is of paramount importance, so that playing it correctly over and over again to perfect the smallest detail is an excellent means of cultivating patience. It may be tempting to gloss over some of the small things in music, and to play what seems easy; however, mastering those smallest details usually result in the best outcomes. One of the most common pieces of advice given to music students is to “slow it down” although they are tempted to play the piece at the designated time signature. Utilizing a more slow, patient approach where it is not necessary to correct inconsistent playing habits will pay off better in the long run.
-Music is often under-rated as a fantastic way of communicating with others about your music as well as through your music. In addition, along your journey it is not unusual to want to collaborate with other musicians as you continue on your musical journey. Different strategies will need to be developed in order to be able to communicate with your music teacher, music colleagues, and your audience. Developing these strategies will also enhance your communication skills and relationships in social situations, professional life, and academic situations.
-Learning to assume responsibility extends beyond practice responsibility for musicians as they join ensembles, agree to perform in recitals, decide to take music theory courses, etc. It is quickly evident that being a musician results in keeping a busy schedule but that life does not stop for any of it which teaches you how to assume many responsibilities, perform well under pressure, and transfer these skills into many other aspects of your life.
-Oftentimes, musicians become aware that playing music often becomes an excellent outlet for mitigating stress and coping with other types of difficult situations, such as grief and loss. So, playing music, composing music and listening to music can be very therapeutic for children and adults alike. Having the ability to cope through music is a very valuable tool that can assist with balancing out many of life’s challenges.

All those hours, days or months of practice have a much greater value than a mere measure of time invested in learning to play an instrument or to vocalize in the demonstration of a perfect performance. Music impacts you in so many ways that are not addressed in these 10 examples, and knowing that you can begin playing an instrument or develop your ability to sing can be done at any age is certainly an encouragement to not put it off any longer.
As members of the Teddy Bear Project, we recognize how important music is to engage the feelings of others, and to allow them to communicate their emotions for the process of healing in their times of crisis, loneliness, grief and loss particularly when it is difficult for them to find the words.