Benefits of Playing an Instrument, Not Just for Adolescents

    After being enamored by Dr. Toby Dye’s talk on playing an instrument on the brain. I found myself reflecting on my own journey as a youth clarinet player. I was forced to by the school for a couple of years, and never knew why. Now, looking back on the experience, I am more than happy to have been forced to play such an interesting instrument. Dr Dye’s talk walked us through recent and new experimentation done on those who played and played a musical instrument, and how their specific brain functions are more in tune and well-developed than their same-age non-musical instrument-playing counterparts. It was fascinating to me; how not only taking in the musical melody, but being able to recite it from memory, and associate each note with a muscular movement. The whole process of playing an instrument, when you break it down, piece by piece, is truly a wonder. 

    Recently further research has been conducted on the topic of physiological and psychological effects of playing a musical instrument. Here, they have been exploring “The relationship between playing musical instruments and cognitive trajectories: Analysis from a UK aging cohort” These scientists conducted online surveys from participants age forty and above to evaluate their neural health and functionality. Participants were invited to complete the validated Edinburgh Lifetime Musical Experience Questionnaire (ELMEQ) to assess their musical experience and lifetime exposure to music. The team reviewed participants' musical experience and lifetime exposure to music, alongside results of cognitive testing, to determine whether musicality helps to keep the brain sharp in later life. The findings show that playing a musical instrument, particularly the piano, is linked to improved memory and the ability to solve complex tasks -- known as executive function. Continuing to play into later life provides even greater benefits.

    This specific example counteracts our preconceived notions of getting kids started early on the violin or the saxophone. Of course, it is better to start them early, but that is not to say you cannot start later in life and still experience the benefits of playing a musical instrument. Overall, we must continue encouraging kids and our youth to engage in an orchestra or a band. Furthermore, we must not judge those adults who are merely trying something new as they get older, there is always room for change. 

References: 

Vetere G, Williams G, Ballard C, Creese B, Hampshire A, Palmer A, Pickering E, Richards M, Brooker H, Corbett A. The relationship between playing musical instruments and cognitive trajectories: Analysis from a UK ageing cohort. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2024 Feb;39(2):e6061. doi: 10.1002/gps.6061. PMID: 38281509.