Piano Provides Exercise for the Mind
Piano lessons are largely reserved for young children, who often abandon the skill as they get older. But for adults, there are benefits of learning to play the piano that go far beyond entertaining family members at your next Christmas gathering. Like playing word games, piano lessons are a great way to keep your mind healthy throughout your life.
Benefits of an Active Mind
Studies have shown that indulging in activities like reading and games can lower the protein in the brain believed to cause Alzheimer’s. Brain scans conducted on participants in a study at the University of California found less instance of the protein beta-amyloid in those who regularly engaged in mind-stimulating activities throughout the course of their lives.
In younger students, researchers have linked piano study to greater abilities in subjects like math and science. In a study of intellectual adults, MIT scientists found that concert pianos had 30 percent larger cerebral cortexes than adults who had no instrumental music education. In fact, a separate study found that among Silicon Valley CEOs, 75 percent had some type of instrumental music education.
For adult piano students, reading and interpreting music engages the mind in a manner similar to playing a game or solving a puzzle. But piano education also requires a mind-body coordination, as a pianist must coordinate leg and hand movements to interpret the music on that page. No matter what age a person begins to study piano, the activity is a great workout for the brain.
Memory Enhancement and More
By keeping the mind sharp, adults can also enjoy better memory retention as they age. A study conducted by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine tracked 469 seniors over the age of 75. Those who participated in mind-stimulating activities such as playing a musical instrument were found to have less of a risk of developing dementia.
In addition to enhancing memory, learning to play the piano also has a positive impact on a person’s coordination, serving as a workout for both the brain and the body. The fingers remain active during piano play, providing exercise for the joints and helping manage arthritis symptoms for those who suffer from the condition.
Overall, adult piano instruction is a great way to learn something new. No matter what age you are, learning a new activity stimulates your mind, keeping it active and thriving well into your golden years.
Chupps Pianos is based in New Paris, Indiana, where pianos are refurbished for sale in its rebuilding facility. Chupps offers both grand and upright pianos for sale, including pianos from Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, and more.
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