Why study music?

“Music is the shorthand of emotion.”

– Tolstoy

I started working out of my home office two years ago, The greatest benefit that I have received from this change is that I am now able to play my piano for 45 minutes each day that I am in town. I’ve played the piano more often in these last two years than at any time since I gave up my professional career thirty-one years ago.

Certainly, playing the piano each day helps to reduce my stress level. But there are numerous other benefits:

  • My listening skills improve
  • My speaking skills improve
  • My reading skills improve
  • My story-telling skills improve

Daniel Pink has an interesting post on his blog – “A whole new reason to hit the keyboard.”  Here’s a snippet from his very short article:

“I may be the least musical person you’ve ever encountered.  And that’s something I’ve long regretted.  Now comes evidence deepening that regret, but offering a way for my kids to become more whole-minded than their dad.”

He refers to a new study – “Music Builds Bridges in the Brain” – that proves that children who take music lessons – and practice diligently – show dramatic improvement in the connection between the two hemispheres of the brain.

There are two points that I would like to make:

  1. Notice Mr. Pink’s regret that he did not take/continue his music lessons. However, he now realizes how much his children will benefit from the study of music – and diligent practice. And he wants this for his children. Wouldn’t you? Don’t you yearn for a society populated with more whole-minded citizens?
  2. What steps will Mr. Pink – and you, too – take to help make it possible for your / our children to have the opportunity to take music lessons? To become more “whole-minded?” How can we encourage them to want to practice?

The first step that you can take is to gather information. Start here – Click this “Link” to go to the Support Music website. This is a “grass roots” website. It is designed to enable each member of your community to access the pertinent information, tips, talking points and scientific data to make the case for music education in your community. You can make a difference. We can help to shape a society that has more “whole-minded” citizens. Take the first step today. Go to www.supportmusic.com!

Mr. Pink – thank you for writing about this scientific study. You have a very prominent public personna. Your articles reach many people. Thank you for sharing your desire to see that your children “become more whole-minded than their dad.” Thank you for sharing your regret that you are not currently making music.

Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. According to recent public opinion polls, 82% of the people who do not currently play an instrument wish that they did.

Why not start now? What is holding you back? I am addressing anyone who wishes that they and their children were actively making music. “Wanna Play?”

Now, I am going to go play my piano. Now, I am going to have some fun!

 

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