Why a musical instrument?

Some people might ask, "Why learn a musical instrument in the first place?" That question alone is very in depth, extremely complicated, and difficult to answer. To answer effectively would require volumes of books (too much time - not enough patience, etc.) Instead of delving into the physiological, psychological, neurological, and every other "ogical" factor for what learning an instrument can and should do for someone, I will instead share my sentiments from what I have experienced and the feelings others have shared with me. Rather than the logical, this will be the "emotionogical" influence, which, by the way, happens to affect every other "ogical" objective - subjectively speaking of course.

I was brought up in a musical family. Individuals who grow up playing instruments and experiencing music in the home on a daily basis, are generally more likely to fall in love with music and make it a part of their lives (because it already is). Then when they become adults with children of their own, they pass on the baton (so to speak) and encourage their own children to love music through their example.

It is true that by learning a musical instrument, people gain confidence, learn discipline, improve their self esteem, tend to be more outgoing, get better grades, stimulate the neurological brain waves (I had to throw in one of the "ogicals") and so forth, but there is more to music than simply improving our physical, mental, emotional and societal needs. Music can be a heritage, a legacy, and a tradition we pass on to our posterity. Think of the great masters from the past. Each musical master, whether they were a concert musician/professional performer, composer, or teacher, left a legacy to their family members. As we learn to appreciate, respect, revere, and be humbled by their music we in turn become part of their musical family.

Not only can we be an example to our own families by learning and playing an instrument, but we can create wonderful experiences and memories with music by sharing them with other families. Some of my fondest family memories involve music. Whether it was music recitals, concerts, ballets, operas, movies, Christmas caroling etc., they all involved the family participating in music. Something happens to a family when they can perform with each other. Even if the entire family doesn't participate or play an instrument, the family connects in a way that is entirely unique and all its own. I remember singing with my family as we stood around the piano. The children sang while my father played the piano. As we grew up and improved our musical talents, we took turns playing our instruments, singing together, and performing for our friends and neighbors. We loved performing, and always felt a sense of accomplishment and family harmony (pun intended).

Make some music with your friends, family, and neighbors. You'll make memories, laugh together, and experience the tradition of music!

Written by Jerald M. Simon
Copyright © 2008 Music Motivation®
All Rights Reserved