“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.”

-Albert Einstein

When we think of Einstein, we rarely think of him in light of the above quote. We think of him as a great physicist, and often as the smartest person in the world. We may think, “Einstein didn’t have time for music.” Or, “Einstein wouldn’t care about music when he had so much else to worry about.” Yet Einstein played both violin and piano. Not only did he play those instruments, he loved them, and they often helped him advance (or at least relax) in life. We see the same with figures like Neil Armstrong, who (as is little known) played baritone horn, or with Emily Blunt, who played and still plays cello.

The point is that there IS time for music. Some of the most successful and well known people in the world (who you would think do not have the time or want to play an instrument) do play music. Everybody should play an instrument starting from a young age as it will ultimately better your life in the present and the future.

Let’s start with why kids should play music. 

We all know that kids learn quicker. After all, why would they not? They typically have the environment to do so. They have the time (and more importantly energy) to stay consistent in lessons and with practice, which many adults do not. This is why it is important to start as a kid. Along with learning the instrument, kids develop confidence, focus, and achievement due to the skills instruments require. In fact, one study found that 85 percent of parents believe that children who participate in music are better equipped to problem solve and manage their time than non-musicians.

So the question becomes, “Then should I still take the time to learn as an adult?” My answer is yes.

The benefits of playing an instrument as an adult are worth it. First of all, it has been proven that practicing musical instruments is an amazing way to reduce stress. Much of this is due to the fact that playing an instrument takes you away from the everyday stresses. It allows you to relax and take time to get away from the quick pace of life.

Lastly, playing an instrument has been found to help with memory later in life.

Research shows that because music activates so many parts (and different sides) of the brain, it is extremely difficult to forget. All this strengthening of memory can lead to better clarity in older age. There are several instances in which folks with diseases such as Alzheimer’s have heard music and quite suddenly “come back alive.” In other words, they begin to remember the music. People have even started using music as therapy for those with dementia.

Many will say there is no time in life for music. This time, however, does not have to be as extensive as people think. When I began playing the flute (about five years ago), I took about 15 minutes to practice each day. Even that allowed me to properly develop my flute skills. These days I of course try to put in more time than that, but even if I cannot, those 15 minutes can get me better at something. I think we can all certainly set that kind of time aside in order to gain all the benefits discussed.

Even with potential cons, playing a musical instrument clearly has good that outweighs the bad. This is why everyone should pick one up (whether it be guitar, piano, violin, etc.). It’s never too early or late to start, and at any age you can and should have fun with it. If you can make it something you truly enjoy and look forward to, you will soon notice how much it can improve your life.