B E N E F I T S O F L E A R N I N G M U S I C
The hobby of recreational music making can bring much more than music into your life. Recent scientific findings show that music making may actually help make active older Americans healthier. The Music Making and Wellness Project, a joint study effort by six universities, demonstrates that group organ classes given to older Americans had significant effects on increasing levels of human growth hormone. Increasing the level of human growth hormone (HGH) can have a positive impact on such aging phenomena as osteoporosis, energy levels, wrinkling, muscle mass, and aches and pains.
Additionally, the same study showed significant decreases in anxiety,
depression, and feelings of loneliness-three factors that are critical in coping
with stress, stimulating the immune system, and improving health. The study
further suggests that older people involved in organ classes experienced...
- Decreased levels of anxiety
- Decreased depression
- Decreased feelings of loneliness
Furthermore, making music may significantly improve quality of life and
feelings of well-being. Making music helps people relax, feel better and deal
positively with stress and may also enhance the immune system function and
help fight disease.
In another music-related study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (June 19, 2003) a team of researchers, lead by Joe Verghese, M.D., reported that participation in leisure activities may lower the risk of developing certain forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, among older adults.
Among the leisure activities, reading, playing board games, playing a musical instrument and dancing were connected with a reduction in the risk of dementia. Overall, the research team discovered that those regularly participating in leisure activities may experience up to a 63 percent reduction in risk for dementia, with those being most active having the lowest risk.
The Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute (yamahainstitute.org) states that a comprehensive lifestyle formula for maximizing wellness regardless of health challenges includes a healthy dose of exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction activities. Their research, published in the international research journal, Medical Science Monitor, shows for the first time that playing a musical instrument can reverse the DNA switches that turn on the human stress response and trigger biological processes that lead to many diseases. There is now the first scientific evidence demonstrating that active engagement in Recreational Music Making (RMM) can reduce the impact of stress on the DNA level.
Music Study enhances, fine motor control, use of symbol systems, concentration memory, perseverance, visual and aural discrimination, organizational skills, and goal setting.
* Music study encourages abstract thought and stimulates right-brain activities— synthesis, creativity, intuition, and innovation.
* Music study develops attention span and concentration level.
(Taken from studies and research findings conducted by Dr. Frances Rauscher of the University of Wisconsin
and Dr. Gordon Shaw of the University of California and The Center for Musical Literacy)
Applegate
Piano
Studio
Achieving Your Musical Goals
Music Study enhances, fine motor control, use of symbol systems, concentration memory, perseverance, visual and aural discrimination, organizational skills, and goal setting.
