Posted on May 2nd, 2023

As a professional percussionist and vocalist, I have experienced firsthand the many benefits of learning to play these instruments. Whether you are just starting out or have been playing for years, there are numerous advantages to honing your skills in percussion and vocals. In this blog post, I will be sharing the top 10 benefits of learning to play percussion and vocals, based on my own experiences and those of my students. From improving cognitive function to developing a greater appreciation for music, I am excited to share these insights with you and inspire you to take your music education to the next level. So, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned musician, read on to discover the many ways that learning percussion and vocals can enrich your life.

Physical and mental health benefits

Learning to play percussion and vocals not only benefits your musical skills, but it can also have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. As a percussionist and vocalist, I can personally attest to the benefits that come with practicing and performing music.

Playing percussion and vocals requires physical coordination and stamina, which can improve overall physical fitness. Regular practice sessions can also increase hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and overall dexterity. Playing percussion instruments, in particular, can provide a full-body workout as it requires the use of arms, shoulders, and core muscles.

Furthermore, playing music can have a positive impact on mental health. It has been shown to reduce stress levels, boost mood, and improve cognitive function. Learning to play an instrument or sing also provides a creative outlet, which can be a powerful tool for self-expression and emotional release. This is especially important in today's fast-paced and stressful world.

In addition, playing music can also improve social skills and overall well-being. Joining a band or musical group can provide a sense of community and belonging, as well as opportunities for collaboration and communication. Playing music with others can also promote teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Boosts Cognitive Function

Learning to play percussion and vocals requires a lot of focus and concentration. As a result, it can boost cognitive function, improve memory, and increase overall brain activity.

Enhances Creativity

Learning to play percussion and vocals can enhance your creativity in many ways. By playing an instrument or singing, you are expressing yourself and tapping into your creative side. This can help you develop your artistic abilities and improve your overall sense of creativity. You can learn new rhythms, patterns, and melodies that can inspire you to create your own music.

Playing percussion and vocals can also help you think outside the box and come up with new and innovative ideas. It can stimulate your brain and encourage you to explore new sounds and techniques. You can experiment with different styles and genres, and use what you learn to develop your own unique style.

In addition, playing percussion and vocals can help you improve your listening skills. As a musician, it's important to be able to hear and understand what's happening in a song or performance. This can help you learn to listen more closely to the world around you and pick up on subtle details that you may have overlooked before.

Increases Socialization

Playing percussion and vocals can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends. It's also a fun activity to do with others, whether it's in a band or in a music class.

Improves Time Management Skills

Learning to play percussion and vocals not only improves your musical skills but also helps to enhance your time management skills. As a musician, you need to practice regularly to improve your skills, which requires you to manage your time effectively. This skill can be applied to other areas of your life, such as work or school, where time management is crucial.

Setting aside time to practice and improve your musical abilities can help you develop discipline and focus, which can translate into other aspects of your life. Additionally, practicing with a metronome or playing in a band requires you to be aware of time and tempo, further improving your time management skills.

As you progress in your musical journey, you may find that you become more efficient with your time and are able to balance your practice sessions with other responsibilities. This skill can lead to increased productivity and success in all areas of your life.

Provides Opportunities for Performance

Playing percussion and vocals can lead to opportunities for performance, whether it's in a local band, school ensemble, or community event. It can be a great way to showcase your skills and share your love of music with others.

Enhances Listening Skills

Learning percussion and vocals can greatly enhance one's listening skills. As a percussionist and vocalist myself, I have experienced firsthand how playing these instruments can improve your ability to listen to and analyze music. This is because playing percussion and vocals requires a great deal of attention to detail, timing, and dynamics, all of which rely on a strong sense of listening.

When playing percussion, you must be able to listen carefully to the rhythms and beats being played by yourself and others in the ensemble. This requires a keen sense of timing and an ability to anticipate the next beat or note. Similarly, when singing, you must be able to listen to yourself and others in the group in order to stay in tune and harmonize effectively.

Moreover, developing good listening skills can have a positive impact on other areas of your life as well. It can improve your communication skills, your ability to understand and empathize with others, and even your overall cognitive abilities.

In my music lessons, I place a strong emphasis on developing listening skills. I teach my students to actively listen to the music they are playing and to pay attention to the different elements that make up a piece of music. By doing so, they can become better musicians and develop a deeper appreciation for music as a whole.

Develops Motor Skills

Playing percussion and vocals requires a lot of movement, which can help to develop motor skills and improve coordination.

Teaches Perseverance

Learning to play percussion and vocals can be challenging, but it teaches perseverance and the importance of hard work and practice.

Provides a Lifelong Hobby

Playing percussion and vocals is a hobby that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. It's a fun and fulfilling way to express yourself and connect with others through music.

In conclusion, learning to play percussion and vocals has numerous benefits for physical and mental health, cognitive function, creativity, socialization, time management, performance opportunities, listening skills, motor skills, perseverance, and as a lifelong hobby. As a professional percussionist and vocalist, I highly recommend giving it a try. Contact me at Eric Kennedy for professional music lessons and start reaping the benefits today!