Stress is everywhere in college, from piles of homework to looming exams. But what if there was a way to reduce stress and boost your academic performance? Learning a musical might just be the solution.
First, learning an instrument can lead to less stress and improved mental health. According to the Merit School of Music, making music leads to chemicals in the body that produce joy and pleasure. Additionally, playing music can calm your brain down and reduce levels of stress. With all the stress a college student is plagued with, why not try learning an instrument to ease some constant anxiety?
Another way instruments help to ease anxiety is by making friends. There are community orchestras such as the Saginaw Bay Youth Symphony Orchestra and Midland Bay Orchestra, or on campus there are choir or band classes. All these opportunities are great ways to meet new people. Alternatively, you could start your own music group with your roommates and friends.
Music also allows you to express yourself in ways words cannot. It can transcend language barriers, giving you the power to communicate worldwide. Sometimes, people would rather write than speak and that is the same with music. Once you learn a musical instrument you will be able to communicate in a way that could be more natural for you.
Furthermore, your brain function and cognitive abilities will be impacted when you learn an instrument. According to MedicalNewsToday, having an improved working memory and executive function are associated with musical ability. Executive functions are an encompassing term including areas such as planning, focusing and remembering details to execute a plan.
Now that you understand the benefits of learning a musical instrument, you may be wondering what instruments there are out there. If you are looking for a string instrument to start on, I would recommend a ukulele. While most people may want a guitar or violin these instruments tend to be more expensive and complicated to learn. A ukulele offers a smaller version of a guitar with a beautiful sound. The ukulele additionally has many tutorials online to learn and does not involve reading music. The ukulele price ranges from cheaper options at fifteen dollars to more expensive options.
If the ukulele does not interest you, the steel tongue drum might. They are a great first instrument to learn because just hitting the drum with the mallet makes a lovely sound. The last great starting instrument I will recommend is the Kalimba. These are hand-held wooden blocks with metal tines on them. They are easy to learn as there are many tutorials on YouTube. Additionally, Kalimbas can teach different notes and easily make sounds.
To get involved with music on campus you can look into joining Cardinal Concerts by following their Instagram @svsucardinalconcerts. This club allows students to explore music in a group setting. Another club that fosters music is the Valley Steel which plays Latin/Caribbean music. To inquire about information, reach out to Dr. Brandon Haskett. In addition, by taking MUS*117D*01 Musical Experience: The Piano at SVSU students can learn the basics of piano, reading music, and rhythm and fulfill category two of general education.
So, whether you’re joining a campus group, taking a music class, studying for a college degree, or finding your own path, learning a musical instrument can help support any goals you may have.
