5 Ways That Playing Music Has Benefited Me

[@stephenhedger5178]

I'm now approaching my 70th birthday and the guitar has been the one constant companion of my life. It has been both a source of great joy and also great frustration but always something that has been important to me and has definately broadened my horizons.

[@Tonetwisters]

Paid my way through junior college and Florida State University. Kept me sane most of my life and still on the planet.

[@emmaglass1223]

Definitely helps mental state... Guitar is so dependable and head-clearing that it's addictive

[@PeteBowley-bz7db]

Thanks John, I loved the broadcast! I was told at the age of 12 that I was tone deaf and music would never be for me(despite my love of guitar in the late 70's) Since then I have taken up guitar for a second time helping my son who now does pub gigs! I have learned a plethora of songs and even written some of my own. The brain expanding benefits of music are endless-my late father who suffered dementia would recall finite details of the 1940's when I played him Glen miller despite him not knowing what we ate for breakfast that day!On another note I always wanted to do cookery at school but was told it was only for girls(again by another teacher with no imagination !) I now work as a freelance Chef cooking for 100 plus fine dining wedding guests on a regular basis. All of these achievements have been accomplished by a passion and a love of the things that are dear to me-none of which were encouraged or educated by those who may have had the chance!!!! So to round up, if you have any artistic passion do pursue it and just like you, who knows you may make living and a jolly happy one at that!

[@guithawk-ij8is]

Music is responsible for my career, meeting my wife, and keeping me active in my retirement. I first picked up guitar almost 50 years ago and it's probably the most pivotal decision of my life. Totally agree with it keeping one mentally sharp.

[@klausfritsch4350]

Except for the work ethic, this more or less also describes me. Putting in the hours started VERY late for me. As I started playing after finishing school, I was a solid Set 3 throughout school.

[@fretworkband3204]

I agree with all your statements. My musical beginnings started with choosing the clarinet as a 4th grader. The band director taught us songs that he wanted to record on an lp to sell to the parents. I learned nothing about sight reading and/or theory. Fortunately, my BIL was a band director and when he visited he immediately picked up on this. With his considerable help I was able to make it to 1st chair in my junior high band. And then I became majorly interested in girls, guitars and performing, and the clarinet got put away. But, like John said, I had developed a solid work ethic, learned how to take no’s until I got to a yes, and run a band. And even though I went into an entirely different profession, the lessons learned have served me well. So it’s very true that those that teach music teach life skills as well.

[@SearchingForTone]

I have been a proponent of sight reading for mental health. It involves recognizing a shape correlating it with a note then a fretboard position. Bit like puzzles, excited for the new credit card cycle purchasing your two books tomorrow😎🤙

[@peterhall4852]

I think the thing which improved most was self discipline. When I returned to guitar, in my 50s, I had much more self motivation and taking responsibility for my own learning. Following the linear learning of JustinGuitar helped me acheive a decent level quite quickly . I think it all comes down to self discipline and serious practice.

[@stuartarnold4495]

I can only agree with you.👍

[@chrisplumridge5808]

Spot on sir!

[@TomClarkSouthLondon]

Has anyone told the angriest guitarist😊the tree man?

[@gordocanuck666]

I wonder why I am so brilliant at (some) other things and such a rubbish guitarist....... Just can't remember what I am brilliant at!

[@paulandhisguitars]

Yeah.....we've all been in bands with good musicians who are horrible people. I watched a documentary about iron maidens early days where it said they'd recruited the perfect singer, who had the lot. But he caused so much trouble. Steve harris was that desperate to keep him that he ended up getting rid of the rest to try and replace them (including Dave murray), only for the singer to leave on his own accord. Then steve had to go back to dave and apologise, ask him to come back......the rest I history. I wonder if the singer is kicking himself!!!!