6 Reasons To Learn A New Instrument In Your Twenties
Start writing a post
Entertainment

6 Reasons To Learn A New Instrument In Your Twenties

It won't make you a band geek , I promise.

2328
6 Reasons To Learn A New Instrument In Your Twenties

Whether you are a violin prodigy or struggle to play “Twinkle Twinkle” on the recorder, everyone has some connection to music. Music is a way people communicate their thoughts and feelings; it is simultaneously unifying and intensely personal, unique yet relatable. But for many who didn’t pursue music through or after college, playing an instrument may seem like a skill reserved only for those who persevered through lessons as a child and somehow emerged on the other side actually liking their instrument.

But despite the common myth that learning an instrument gets harder as you get older, there are actually plenty of great reasons you should dust off that old cello or pick up the trombone and give it a try. In addition to the proven scientific benefits of playing an instrument, here are six reasons it’s not too late to learn an instrument in your twenties:

1) There’s no pressure. Unlike playing instruments as a child, there is no pressure when you are playing an instrument for fun in your twenties. You won’t have to prepare for recitals, or listen to classmates who are all playing the same repertoire of Mozart sonatas. There is absolutely nothing stopping you from working at your own pace, being patient with yourself, and discovering what you like and what you don’t like when it comes to playing an instrument.

2) It will challenge you. Anytime you do something new, it will be challenging. But challenging yourself in a pressure-free environment is like exercise for your soul. You will have to discipline yourself to focus, work hard to achieve goals you set for yourself, and learn how to overcome difficulties and frustrations. Learning a new instrument helps to build character, and those skills will help you to handle challenges in all aspects of your life.

3) You will hone a different set of skills. Whether you are learning how to quicken your transitions between chords on a guitar or reading sheet music for the first time, your mind and body must remain in sync and focused. Playing an instrument requires you to hone a very specific combination of mental and physical skills, and it is empowering to explore the different things your body and mind can do together.

4) There’s so much you will discover. Beyond the practice of physically playing, learning a new instrument will force you to learn about all kinds of new things. You will discover music as you search for pieces to play. You will appreciate music you did not find value in before. You might even learn that you are intrigued by music theory, or that you’d like to learn more about the mysterious biography of Franz Liszt. Whatever piques your interest, you can be sure you will learn a lot more than just how to play a new instrument.

5) It’s important to try new things. When was the last time you truly started something from ground zero and gave it a good, honest shot? We are scared to try to new things because it seems like the stakes are higher, so if we fail, we fall farther. With rent to pay, contemplating if we like our current job, deciding whether or not to go back to school – being in our twenties can be a confusing time, and that confusion can keep us from stepping outside of our comfort zone. Learning a new instrument will help you to embrace your inner child, and help you to let go of self-consciousness and judgment.

6) You just might love it. Music is for life, and being able to create music is one of the best gifts you could give yourself. You might learn a few songs on the guitar, or that one flute part from Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" and decide that playing an instrument is not for you, or you might end up playing your whole life. There’s only one way to find out.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57168
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36875
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958623
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

190408
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments