Everyone has heard that playing an instrument makes you smarter, but is that actually true? Most people don’t realize the numerous other intellectual, social, and psychological benefits of playing an instrument. As an accomplished musician myself, I have noticed significant differences in my schoolwork and personal wellbeing due to my musical skills.

Regis should require every student to learn at least one instrument during their high school career.

Playing an instrument has truly stood the test of time, and for good reason to.

In recent studies, scientists have concluded that both listening to and playing music makes you smarter because they trigger the brain to release BDNF, CREB, and synapsin I, which all strengthen mental capacity.

1 in every 4 kids have had problems with anxiety. With the overwhelming statistics on the presence of mental health problems, kids these days need a way to cope. Having a healthy way to de-stress is vital in adequate childhood development. Even a few scales on the guitar or piano can help! When children learn to play an instrument, the cortex develops at an increased rate. This leads to improved focus and control on emotions and decreased anxiety.

Social situations are also improved for those who are competent with an instrument. There are benefits for these individuals in work environments, friendships and romantic relationships. When training the mind in musical comprehension, the brain experiences the same training required to develop speech and verbal skills, a vital part to any relationship.

Some say that they are “too old” to pick up an instrument, but it is truly never too late. A recent study conducted by the University of South Florida gave a group of men and women between ages 60 and 85 with no musical experience weekly individual piano lessons. After just a couple of weeks, the participants experienced robust gains in memory, verbal fluency, processing speed and other cognitive functions. They saw great improvement in these areas compared with those who had not received lessons. If they can do it, Regis juniors can, too.

The benefits of playing music in everyday life are too great for Regis to overlook in their curriculum. Truly, there is nothing stopping you from starting today. The entire world would benefit in multiple physical and psychological areas from playing an instrument, creating a healthier community as a whole. The world is filled with resources for beginner musicians. Everyone learns a different way, but YouTube is a great starting place that does not require any money.