More Than Music: The Health Benefits of Playing an Instrument as an Adult

By Regina Masters

There is something special about playing an instrument as an adult. For some of us, it means returning to an instrument we played years ago. For others, it might mean finally learning an instrument we always wanted to play. When you are part of a group like a flute choir, there is another benefit. You get to make music with other people who enjoy it as much as you do. But playing an instrument is more than just an enjoyable hobby. There are actually some very good reasons to keep making music as we get older.

It Keeps Your Brain Working

Think about everything your brain has to do when you play the flute. You are reading notes and rhythms, watching the conductor, counting, controlling your breathing, moving your fingers, listening to your own sound, and listening to everyone around you. Sometimes you are doing all of those things within a few seconds. That is a lot going on!

Research has shown that playing an instrument can help keep the brain active as we age. Music uses memory, concentration, hearing, movement, and coordination all at once. Learning new music also forces us to continue solving problems and learning new things. Practicing may occasionally be frustrating, but our brains are definitely not sitting idle.

It Can Be a Great Stress Reliever

Most adults have plenty to think about. Work, family, schedules, finances, responsibilities, and the usual things that come with everyday life can fill up our heads quickly. Playing music gives our minds somewhere else to go for a while. When you are concentrating on a difficult passage or trying to get a phrase exactly the way you want it, you really can't spend much time thinking about your to do list.

Studies have connected making music with reduced stress and improved mood. You don't have to be a professional musician to experience that. Sometimes simply sitting down with your instrument or spending an evening at rehearsal is enough to give your brain a much needed change of pace.

Flute Playing Makes Us Pay Attention to Our Breathing

Flutists also have something else going for us. We have to think about breathing.

Playing the flute requires controlled breathing, good posture, breath support, and careful use of air. Playing the flute isn't going to replace exercise or anything your doctor recommends, but playing the flute does take good breath support. Most people probably don't think nearly as much about their breathing as flute players do. And anyone who has ever looked ahead and realized there isn't a good place to breathe for another four to eight measures knows exactly what I mean.

It Keeps Our Coordination Sharp

Playing an instrument also requires quite a bit of coordination.

Our eyes see the notes. Our brains figure out what they mean. Our fingers have to respond. Then we add articulation, dynamics, breathing, tempo, and expression. And somehow all of that is supposed to happen at the same time.

As we get older, continuing to learn and practice skills that require both mental and physical coordination is a good thing. Music gives us an endless supply of those challenges. There is always another piece to learn and always something we can do a little better.

Flute Choir Gives Us Something Else: People

This may be one of the most important benefits of all. Being part of a musical group gives us a place to belong. As adults, our lives change. Children grow up. Jobs change. People retire. Friends move away. Sometimes the opportunities to meet people and develop new friendships aren't as plentiful as they were when we were younger.

A flute choir changes that. We have somewhere to be. People are expecting us. We work toward concerts together. We laugh when things go wrong in rehearsal, and we enjoy those moments when a piece finally starts coming together. We aren't simply sitting in a room playing flutes. We are part of a group.

That social connection matters, and research on group music making has found benefits related to well being, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

It Gives Us Something to Work Toward

One of my favorite things about music is that you never really finish learning. It doesn't matter how old you are or how long you have played. You can still improve your tone. You can learn a difficult piece. You can work on technique. You can perform. You can discover music you have never played before.

There is something very satisfying about realizing that we can continue getting better at something throughout our lives. And then there is that moment in rehearsal when a piece that has been giving everyone trouble finally comes together.

Musicians know that feeling. It is worth all the practicing.

Keep Playing

We hear a lot about staying healthy as we get older. We are told to exercise, eat well, keep moving, and take care of ourselves. Maybe staying healthy should also include staying curious, creative, challenged, and connected to other people. Playing an instrument gives us the opportunity to do all of those things.

Playing in a flute choir adds friendship, laughter, teamwork, performances, and the experience of creating something together. So yes, we play because we love music. But every time we pick up our flutes, come to rehearsal, struggle through a difficult passage, or finally get that passage right, we may be doing something good for ourselves too.

Come join us for our next rehearsal or come out to hear us play at one of our next performances. We would love to have you in our group or see you out in the audience. As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions!