.png)
I believe everyone should learn how to play the cello. Okay... maybe I am biased. But there are so many reasons why learning how to play the cello will improve your mind, body, and soul, it seems silly not to do it!
Check out these 8 reasons why you should learn how to play the cello.
#1: Improved Cognitive Function
Playing any instrument, including the cello, can improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. When you're learning how to play the cello you are doing so many things at once. You're coordinating your body, remembering where to put your fingers, and constantly self-analyzing the signals and cues you are getting from the sounds and feelings of playing the instrument. You can think of it like a workout for your brain!
To dive deeper into this benefit, check out this study that shows that "playing an instrument increases cognitive ability through enhanced neuronal communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, resulting in positive effects on learning, memory, fine motor skills, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning," (Stoklosa, "Instruments of Knowledge: Music and the Brain).
#2: Enhanced Creativity
Learning how to play the cello will make you a more creative person and enhance your creativity. By learning music and expressing your inner feelings, ideas, stories, and emotions through sound, you are creating something unique and special. Exercising this "creativity" muscle frequently will enhance your general levels of creativity just like working out will increase your muscle size. In our modern world that is so full of social media, the news, the economy, and everything else that can bring us down, why not bring some creative sunshine to your life through the joy of playing the cello?
#3: Reduced Stress
Learning how to play the cello can reduce your stress levels and be a calming activity. Classical music is often known to be calming and soothing, and music in general can help to calm your nervous system and ground you, which will help with issues like anxiety and depression.
Additionally, learning how to play the cello adds an extra way for you to express yourself, whether that is anger, happiness, sadness, boredom, or any other feeling you might have. If you have an avenue for you to get your feelings out in a healthy way, that can make a serious impact on your stress levels and mental health.
Check this article at Psych Central for more facts about music related to stress relief.
#4: Improved Posture and Body Awareness
The cello is a very physical instrument. Yes, you play it sitting down, but it takes your whole body to play! You hold it steady and center between your knees, balancing it at just the right spot so your hands lay exactly where they are meant to. Then, you use upper body strength to press down on the strings and move the bow, combining large and fine motor skills simultaneously. On top of all of this, you must have impeccable posture while sitting in your chair. Phew! I'm sweating already.
Just kidding. But really, playing the cello utilizes the muscles in your entire body which helps you improve your posture outside of the practice room and helps you to be more aware of your body, which can help to increase fitness as well.
#5: Increased Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination
As we age, it is more important than ever to keep our dexterity and hand-eye coordination sharp to retain independence and function. Learning how to play the cello might be a fun hobby, but behind the scenes, you're honing in on these skills and exercising and growing them. This will help you lead a happier and healthier life as you enter your senior years. Playing the cello requires the use of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination to be able to move independent fingers (and place them in just the right spot on the fingerboard) and to coordinate moving your other arm at the same time. Kind of like patting your head and rubbing your stomach simultaneously!
#6: Boosted Confidence
Learning and mastering a new skill like playing the cello can boost confidence and self-esteem. Think about a time when you were a kid and you learned something new, whether it was piano, soccer, art, or a school subject. After you learned it, you probably felt very proud of yourself! Learning how to play the cello will do that to you now, and there is no age limit. Learning the cello can help you to be the confident and radiant version of yourself!
#7: Opportunities for Social Connection
When you learn how to play the cello (or any orchestral instrument), you have the opportunity to join local community orchestras. Community orchestras welcome non-professional musicians, many including musicians with less experience as well, and offer the opportunity to perform real orchestral works in front of audiences. They're fun, engaging, and inspiring, and it is a fantastic way to make new friends and connect with others while creating beautiful music.
If you need help preparing for a community orchestra audition, reach out to us at Celloly.
#8: Appreciation of Music
Learning how to play the cello can help develop an appreciation for music, and can increase one's enjoyment of listening to music. Once you've started to play music yourself on the cello, you'll notice the little things in the songs and music you listen to: their tone, timbre, rhythm, inflection, and maybe even the styles or techniques they use. This greater awareness will help you to really appreciate all of the hard work that goes into making music and will lead to a greater appreciation and understanding of it.
In conclusion, learning how to play the cello will make you a happier, healthier, and more confident person. Anyone at any age can learn how to play the cello. No one is too old to start! All you need is a cello and motivation and support.
Convinced? Ready to change your life? Click the button below to start your cello journey.
Comments