JustinGuitar has been the first stepping stone for many successful guitar journeys, and many aspiring guitar players have learned how to play guitar with guitar teacher Justin Sandercoe’s help. Although the populars JustinGuitar Lessons and Songs App is described as an engaging and effective step-by-step beginner guitar course, it’s not just beginners and rookies who can benefit from Justin’s teaching.

Case in point: passionate hobby guitarist and singer Sanna Keskioja first started playing the guitar when she was a teenager, but one could say that she experienced a renaissance in guitar playing when she got acquainted with Musopia’s JustinGuitar App.

“I wish I had had the JustinGuitar App when I first started practicing years ago. It would’ve made a big difference”, Sanna says. “Back in the day, when I started playing, you didn’t have anything like these guitar lessons as an option.”

“I started playing because I simply thought the guitar was such a cool instrument. I really liked the sound, and I used to be a huge fan of Led Zeppelin and other guitar heroes back in the day.”

“I wish I had had the JustinGuitar App when I first started practicing years ago. It would’ve made a big difference.”

She first started to play classical guitar when she was 16 but soon encountered a problem: her hands were simply too small to get along with the classical guitar. “I felt like it took up all of my time just trying to stretch my fingers to hit the right spots, to be able to play the songs”, she explains. She ditched the classical guitar but later found a better way to play that suited her needs.

“During my studies, I got motivated to learn basic guitar chords to accompany myself when I was singing, which is the most important form of musical expression for me. The most important thing about playing is that I can accompany myself when I sing.”

This revelation made all the difference since strumming was easier, even with smaller hands. “Still, with small hands, you must pay attention to how you position your hand to reach the right chords at the right time. Justin’s technical tips have been very helpful to improve my strumming and rhythm skills”, she explains.

“I first found Justin’s app in 2022. I had just recovered from a finger injury and was ready to start practicing again. That’s when I got acquainted with JustinGuitar.”

It made all the difference. Sanna says that she first tried to look for quality teaching on YouTube but soon noticed that JustinGuitar’s teaching methods were much higher quality. “Justin Sandercoe is a top-notch teacher”, Sanna says. “He is a fantastic teacher: very systematic, his pedagogical skills are of high quality, and, most of all, his technical tips are excellent.”

“I have learned a lot of new things! The most important skill for me was learning to strum guitar properly. I’m not a natural at it, and Justin’s teaching has helped me improve significantly. Justin’s advice generally is much better than what I’ve received before. Thanks to him, I’ve truly been able to improve my sound. When I started taking guitar lessons, there was no such thing as remote music lessons. As a self-taught musician, it would have been much easier if I had had the chance to start learning with an app like this from the beginning. Now, I need to keep correcting a lot of old mistakes.”

Besides the quality and possibilities of remote guitar lessons, Sanna finds that a lot has changed in the world of guitar playing. “Back when I first started playing, there were just guys we looked up to as guitar heroes. Girls didn’t really play in bands, and there were barely any female guitar heroes yet. Now, there are several great, cool female guitar players, like the amazing Finnish guitarist Erja Lyytinen”, Sanna says.

“Thanks to JustinGuitar , I’ve truly been able to improve my own sound.”

“I myself don’t entertain the idea of becoming a major guitarist. At the moment, I simply enjoy improving my technique and being able to accompany myself while singing. One day, I’d like to perhaps play guitar in a band and write my own songs, but before that, I need first to have the guts to play in front of people”, Sanna laughs.

For her, the best part about playing is the flow state you get into. “If you’ve just had the worst day and start playing guitar, hours suddenly fly by, and you lose all sense of time.”

Music, in general, is more than just a hobby for her. “Music is such an integral part of life and of who I am as a person. It is quite simply irreplaceable; I can’t even begin to imagine a life without it. For me, music has always been number one. It’s always there, one way or the other.”

Although Sanna doesn’t entertain broad audiences with a guitar yet, she has found a lovely and somewhat original way to spread joy with music. “Next to music, I love riding and being around horses. When I notice that a horse might be a bit tense, I start to sing. I’ve noticed it relaxes both parties equally”, Sanna laughs.

Read the previous My Music Journey

Follow Musopia on Linkedin to get the latest updates

The post My Music Journey: Sanna Keskioja first appeared on Musopia Blog.

They say the only exercise some people get in January is walking back and forth to the fridge. We all know the January gym-goer stereotype: packed facilities, enthusiastic resolutions, and an abrupt drop-off by mid-February. If you’ve ever felt the thrill of starting a new workout routine only to see it fizzle out, then perhaps it’s time to consider a different kind of workout for the soul – learning to play a musical instrument, in this case guitar or uke.
Don’t worry; this isn’t a journey laden with pitfalls. In fact, with a bit of strategy and commitment, you can stay on track and make beautiful music. Here’s how to sidestep the common traps on your musical journey.

Switching from gym sessions to guitar or uke practice is not just a change of routine; it’s a shift in mindset. Instead of dreading the next workout, imagine looking forward to creating your own melodies. To make this transition smoother, consider finding an accountability partner – someone who shares your passion for music. Having a friend to check in with, share progress in chord and strumming skills, and maybe even jam together can make the learning process more enjoyable.

Just like hitting the gym regularly, consistent practice is crucial when learning to play guitar. Aim for a daily practice routine, even if it’s just for a short duration. The key is to build a habit, ensuring that playing guitar becomes as ingrained in your daily routine as your morning coffee. Set realistic goals and milestones, and celebrate small victories along the way.

One of the best ways to keep the enthusiasm alive is by playing songs you love. In fact, in our Big Guitar Survey, 17% of respondents claimed their biggest motivation was learning to play their favorite songs with guitar or ukulele. Whether it’s your favorite rock anthem, a classic jazz tune, or a pop chart-topper, learning to play songs that resonate with you will keep you motivated. With each successful rendition, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that propels you forward in your musical journey.

Learn more about the Big Guitar Survey and discover tips based on its results.

Learning an instrument doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. Joining a band or ensemble introduces an element of camaraderie and shared progress. Playing with others not only enhances your skills but also provides a social aspect to your musical journey. Local communities, music schools, and online platforms are great places to find like-minded musicians to collaborate with.

In the age of smartphones and apps, technology can be a powerful ally in your musical journey. Check guitar apps that offer guitar tuner, lessons, practice schedules, and even virtual instructors. Choose the app that fits your learning style the best and provides a structured learning path, making it easier to track your progress and stay motivated. Plus, they allow you to practice at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. If your new preferred instrument is a guitar or ukulele, be sure to check out our apps JustinGuitar Lessons & Songs App and Kala Ukulele Tuner & Songs App.

So, as you swap the treadmill for the metronome and dumbbells for drumsticks, remember that learning an instrument doesn’t have to follow the same pitfalls as a New Year’s fitness resolution. With an accountability partner, daily practice, playing your favorite songs, joining a band, and embracing technology, your musical journey can be both fulfilling and enjoyable. So, here’s to hitting the right notes and steering clear of the January blues – let the music play on!

Follow Musopia on Linkedin to get the latest updates

The post Skip the January Blues: Navigating the Musical Journey Without Hitting Sour Notes first appeared on Musopia Blog.

In the first part of our exploration into the “Learn Guitar Together – Class of 2023,” we delved into the diverse backgrounds and motivations to learn how to play guitar that brought this unique group together. As we journey deeper into their stories, we find that their path to mastering the guitar is not without its fair share of challenges, but the joys they’ve discovered along the way make it all the more rewarding.

Navigating the Challenges and Joys of Guitar Learning

The journey of learning how to play the guitar is not a real one without its fair share of challenges. Tony and Stephen provide insights into some of the most demanding aspects of their learning experiences.

One of the hardest parts is fingerstyle playing. Tony explains that this playing style leaves no room for error, as it exposes every wrong note. In contrast, playing chords can sometimes mask these errors to some extent. Tony’s acknowledgment of the intricacies of fingerstyle playing underscores the technical challenges that many aspiring guitarists face.

George’s Top Tip for learning to play: As Richard, one of the moderators, says: learn songs. That advice has changed my guitar journey.

Stephen, on the other hand, describes his entire guitar learning journey as a challenge. He candidly states, “I’ve found it all hard, to be honest, but rewarding as what seemed impossible eventually becomes possible.” This sentiment captures the essence of learning a musical instrument, where persistence and patience are essential in overcoming hurdles and witnessing personal growth.

In the midst of these challenges, our interviewees also reveal the aspects of learning how to play guitar that bring them immense joy.

In his guitar journey, Dwain has enjoyed learning solos and improvising over backing tracks.

For Tony, it’s the experience of playing live with a friend as a backing rhythm guitarist. He acknowledges that he may not have been a virtuoso, but the thrill of performing and the audience’s positive response created a unique sense of satisfaction and excitement. It’s a testament to the profound joy of making music, even at a beginner’s level.

Playing guitar can also become a source of emotional support. Sarah describes her instrument as a “safe space” that provides comfort when life becomes difficult or stressful. This profound connection between a guitarist and their instruments goes beyond the act of playing.

The joy can lie in the sense of accomplishment, like it does for Stephen. Whether mastering a challenging chord, nailing a complex riff, or comprehending a piece of music theory, these milestones bring him a profound sense of satisfaction. He also mentions the positive impact of music on his mental health. Boris’s joy in the learning journey is evident in those moments when, after extensive practice, he can finally play a song or a specific part of a song. These moments validate the hours of dedication and hard work put into perfecting a piece of music.

Boris’s Top Tip for learning to play: 1) Record yourself frequently. 2) Don’t rush.

The Songs and Guitarists That Boost Motivation

We are curious to hear what songs have been in our participants’ repertoire and which ones they already mastered.

Tony recalls a memorable practice session with his friend when they tackled “Johnny B. Goode.” His friend guided him through the chord progressions, allowing him to play along with confidence, picking up on the chord changes in the backing track. 

“Wish You Were Here” has tested Sarah’s patience and nerves. However, the moment her parents, who hold the song dear, had tears in their eyes and were amazed by how close she came to capturing the “real” sound, it made all the effort worthwhile.

Not everyone thinks they have “mastered” a song at all. Khurram emphasizes the subjective nature of mastery but takes pride in being able to play “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver reasonably well, according to his own opinion. Raffie found solace in the Beatles’ classic “Let It Be.” Overcoming the struggle of nailing the challenging F chords in the song brought her great satisfaction. 

When it comes to guitarists admired by the group, Mark Knopfler is mentioned a few times. In addition to Knopfler, Tony draws inspiration from guitar legends like Hank Marvin and Jeff Beck. He also credits his friend Clint for sparking his guitar journey.

Sarah is captivated by Brian May, both for his guitar skills and unique approach to playing. She also admires Jonny Buckland of Coldplay for his memorable guitar parts and David Gilmour’s mesmerizing style.

Sarah’s Top Tip for learning to play: Don’t think it’s too late. You’ve started at exactly the right time in your life. Enjoy the journey!

Some have stories behind their love for certain artists. Raffie has a lasting admiration for Eric Johnson, dating back to the 70s when her brother introduced her to Johnson’s music: ”Had a mild crush on him since the 70s when my late older brother came home with the Seven Worlds album and lent it to me. I have not given it back yet.”

The Goals and Dreams in Music

In less than a year, our group has achieved a whole lot of guitar skill goals set out for the journey. However, there’s still plenty to do.

For Khurram, writing his own songs seems interesting, but first, he wants to learn some music theory. “I would be happy being able to play a few songs in Open Mic events,” adds Khurram. Boris shares the dream of playing at an Open Mic.

Raffie’s goals are more related to the joy of just playing guitar, no matter the occasion. “I just like playing for pleasure. I just like to be able to play or strum guitar at a campfire.” This seems to be a theme for many and emphasizes the meaning of music as a way to have fun and unwind. “I’d like to jam with a band for sure,” says Stephen as well. Dwain mentions entertaining his friends and family, as well as just playing for himself, as the main goals for his guitar journey.

Dwain’s Top Tip for learning to play: Progress through the JustinGuitar Beginner Course Modules properly and take your time.

The music is not just about performance or perfection; it’s about the enjoyment, the sense of accomplishment, and the connections made along the way. The “Learn Guitar Together – Class of 2023” has not only showcased the transformative power of learning an instrument but also the incredible impact of doing it together. The journey is a testament to the fact that the beauty of music lies not only in the notes played but also in the shared experiences and the community that music can build. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, the “Class of 2023” reminds us that there’s always something new to learn, and there’s joy to be found in every note and every chord. So, let us all be inspired by their stories, and let music bring us together as it has for this exceptional group.

Read the first part of this series.

More inspiring stories to discover:

Musopia’s partnership with the non-profit organization Music Will

Top 10 Tips From Fellow Guitarists to Beginners

The post Learn Guitar Together – Class of 2023: The Journey — vol. 2 first appeared on Musopia Blog.

In January 2023, we started an initiative with the JustinGuitar Team and were searching for motivated individuals who wanted to learn to play guitar in an exclusive group led by Justin Sandercoe, alias JustinGuitar, and his teacher team. The program “Learn Guitar Together – Class of 2023” started in January and is ongoing. We sat down with a group of participants to hear about their intriguing guitar-learning journeys.

All Roads Lead to the Class of 2023

The Class of 2023 consists of a group with a variety of backgrounds regarding music. Tony, who had no prior experience with guitar, was challenged by a friend to learn chords to play at a caravanning event. After searching for guitar courses online and watching a few videos, Tony came across JustinGuitar and liked his approach the best.

Tony’s Top Tip for learning to play guitar: Be prepared for two steps forward and one step back. Take your time; it will come with time.

Fellow participants Boris and Sarah learned about the Learn Guitar Together group through JustinGuitar’s newsletter. “I was already very happy using the JustinGuitar Lessons and Songs App but missing the “classroom feeling.” I thought I’d give it a go,” says Sarah. She had never played guitar before and never thought she’d be able to. Going through a difficult time in her life, a friend of Sarah’s told her she needed music in her life.

Another class member, Raffie, says playfully that her guitar kept looking at her, so she thought it would be a good time to pick it up. Ten years prior, she had tried to practice guitar, but a full-time career had kept her too busy to start learning.

Raffie’s Top Tip for learning to play: Don’t rush. Just enjoy the journey and follow the app.

Unraveling Expectations

Before diving into the world of learning guitar, each of our interviewees had certain expectations. Some thought it would be a breeze, while others anticipated a more challenging journey.

Tony is a part of the latter group. He emphasizes the artistry of guitar playing, stating, “It’s easy to play a guitar badly but quite hard to play it well.” This sentiment sets the stage for the dedication required to master this instrument.

Sarah says her guitar is her safe space.

Sarah’s experience was a rollercoaster ride of expectations. She remarks, “It’s nothing like I imagined. It’s way more painful on the fingers at first than I thought it could be, but it’s also way more enjoyable.” Her realization highlights the importance of pushing through initial challenges to discover the immense joy that comes with playing along to songs, a feat she never believed possible.

Underscoring the idea that the journey, despite its difficulties, is ultimately fulfilling is one way to look at it. Khurram sees the value in the struggles of the learning process. He believes, “The satisfaction that comes after being able to play is definitely worth it.”

Khurram’s Top Tip for learning to play: Practice makes permanent, so make sure that you’re practising correctly.

Sharing the Good and the Bad

During these ten months, the closed group of Learn Guitar Together became tight-knit, and all of the interviewees highlighted the supportiveness and helpfulness of their peers. There is a place for both active posters and bystanders. “I’m not an active participant in social media, so my role has been primarily to “see” what other people are doing. That, in turn, helps motivate a “solo learner” like me,” explains George, who wishes he had heard about JustinGuitar sooner. The support, fast answers to any questions, and sharing the struggles have brought the members together.

“Listening to the peers sharing their progress makes me understand that struggle is part of learning the guitar.” -Khurram

Stephen, too, says the group has been a confidence booster and helped him realize that “we are all just learning how to play guitar and won’t sound like our favorite guitarists”. He adds that fellow participants made him understand that he is not as bad as he thinks. According to Dwain, the members share valuable feedback whenever anyone asks for it. The motivational atmosphere has kept everyone involved, even in times of musical despair.

Stephen’s Top Tip for learning to play: Practice more and use structure instead of noodling like I do.

As we wrap up this glimpse into the captivating journeys of the “Learn Guitar Together – Class of 2023,” it’s clear that the paths to learning the guitar are as diverse as the individuals themselves. From beginners like Tony, who embraced the challenge, to those like Sarah, who found unexpected joy in the pain of progress, each member of this exclusive group is crafting their own unique musical adventure. The value of perseverance and support within the community is evident, making this journey all the more enriching. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll delve deeper into the challenges of our dedicated learners, their musical dreams, and the motivators of this extraordinary guitar class.


More inspiring stories to read:

How the Musopia Music Room was born: Building an Inspirational (Sound Proof) Space Inside a Thriving Office

Learn from the best: Top Tips from Music Educators

Follow Musopia on Linkedin for the latest news

The post Learn Guitar Together – Class of 2023: The Journey — vol. 1 first appeared on Musopia Blog.

Musopia recently carried out a Big Guitar Survey with over 8000 participants to learn more about what goes on behind the process of learning to play the guitar. We found exciting observations and tips from the guitarists that participated in our survey, and now we want to cast a better light on these results.

Learning to play the guitar – or any instrument – for that matter, is an exciting adventure. Perfecting a new skill like an instrument can bring many new, challenging and fulfilling things into your life. You can learn much about yourself, feel a sense of achievement, and be proud of yourself when you master new techniques and songs. It can give your life a new meaning, bring you a new and pleasurable way to pass your time, introduce new friends into your life, and even become a career and a livelihood! 

Challenges in the Learning Process

Although the advantages and perks are undeniable, learning to play an instrument is not always purely just a picnic. Every new guitar player undoubtedly experiences moments of frustration and self-doubt when trying to master the instrument and become better and better at it.

These feelings are entirely natural, and everyone experiences them every once in a while. Many new learners said in the survey, the biggest challenge is to make your fingers work right. Some also said that sometimes they didn’t know what to do or learn next and that difficult songs and techniques frustrated them. Other said that it was hard to stay motivated.

Frustration was generally the number one cause for giving up, while the lack of time or money appeared to be general reasons as well.

Learning From Fellow Guitarists

However, learning to play the guitar can be made much easier when one finds the right learning method for themselves. This is where we step in: Musopia’s apps for learning to play the guitar aim to help every new guitarist on their individual learning path. This is also why we wanted to gather the best tips from our fellow guitarists to beginners. We asked the guitar survey participants “ What advice would you give to yourself as a total beginner”?

There were thousands of replies, which we curated into

Top 10 Tips for Every Beginner Learning to Play Guitar

1. Be patient and never give up!
2. Practice regularly
3. Place your guitar somewhere where it’s easy to pick up every day
4. Find a learning method that works for you. It could be lessons in person, an app, online videos, or a combination of the above.
5. Don’t rush: take your time to learn the basics
6. Make a playlist of songs that you want to learn.
7. Find someone to play with, so you can support each other.
8. Realise that progress will be slow and don’t be too hard on yourself.
9. Learn new songs and techniques and go outside of your comfort zone.
10. Have fun, enjoy yourself and don’t take it too seriously!

Whenever you need some support, remember these tips from fellow guitarists and let them guide your learning path! 

Learn from professionals by reading Top Tips from Music Educators.
Interested in our secrets? Head to Musopia’s Secret Sauce of Learning to Play Music.

Follow Musopia on Linkedin

Find more interesting reads here

The post Top 10 Tips From Fellow Guitarists to Beginners first appeared on Musopia Blog.

Is this the year you want to start your musical journey and learn to play guitar?

That is a fantastic plan, and both Musopia and JustinGuitar want to support you on this journey and make the learning experience available for everyone despite their background and financial situation.

“We have collaborated with Musopia in creating and developing the JustinGuitar Lessons and Songs App for years, and now we wanted to create a way to learn to play 100% online but still provide a group where beginner players could join to speed up their progress and enjoy the journey. The program is called “Learn Guitar Together –  Class of 2023 “says Justin. 

Besides making it available from the technological point-of-view, Musopia and JustinGuitar also want to make sure that financial issues are not keeping you from making your musical dream come true. That’s why we are offering scholarships for those who cannot afford the app subscription. 

“It’s our mission to make high-quality guitar education as available as possible. We never want money to keep someone from learning with us and being unable to make the best out of their guitar journey!”

That’s why Musopia and JustinGuitar offer 100 complimentary yearly app subscriptions to people who needed this scholarship. Musopia and JustinGuitar invite students to apply for the scholarship that offers this entire program totally free.

“We are more than happy to make sure that everyone who wishes to make their guitar-playing dream true, can enter the program,” says Paula Lehto from Musopia. 

Enroll before January 31st here: Learn Guitar Together 2023 – JustinGuitar App

Read more about the Class of 2023 Program

Follow Musopia on Linkedin

Find more interesting reads here

The post Scholarships for Class of 2023 available first appeared on Musopia Blog.

Do you want to learn guitar this year?

Choosing the method for learning a new skill can take some hard work: whether to do it online by yourself in your own pace, or learn traditionally with a private guitar teacher, or with a group.

Justin Sandercoe, alias JustinGuitar, has been teaching students to play for 20 years now and he knows that even though it is possible to learn to play completely online, sometimes it might feel a little lonely, especially when having challenges in the learning journey.

“We have collaborated with Musopia in creating and developing the JustinGuitar Lessons and Songs App for years,  and now we wanted to create a way to learn to play 100% online but still provide a group where beginner players could join to speed up their progress and enjoy the journey. The program is called “Learn Guitar Together – Class of 2023” says Justin. 

“Learning with a group makes the learning experience much more fun and social. Students will have direct access to a supportive community, and they can ask questions to me for a monthly Q&A video. They’ll be able to be part of a community where they can meet students from all over the world who have the same dream: play their favorite songs in 2023.”

By joining the Learn Guitar Together – Class of 2023 program students will get: 

• An exclusive monthly Q&A video by  Justin
• Access to a private Facebook group community for additional support.
• Lifetime discount of 30% on your yearly subscription to the Justin Guitar Lessons & Songs app, which we use as a practicing tool on the course.
• FREE access to Justin’s Strumming Foundation Course (with an active yearly subscription to the app)
• Certificate on completion of the program

Scholarships are available for those who cannot afford the app subscription.
“We are more than happy to make sure that everyone who wishes to make their guitar playing dream true, can enter the program” says Paula Lehto, CMO of Musopia. 

Enroll before January 31st here: Learn Guitar Together 2023 – JustinGuitar App

The post Learn Guitar Together – Class of 2023 first appeared on Musopia Blog.

Musopia carried out a Big Guitar Survey to find out more about the motivations and reasons behind learning a new instrument. In other words, we wanted to know what truly ignites the music in you. What we found out through the survey confirms many of the reasons why we love music.

Entertainment

According to the answers to our Big Guitar Survey, the most common reason behind learning to play was entertainment. Besides finding learning fun and rewarding, using those skills to entertain yourself and others played a big role in motivating you to learn to play. Also playing music in a group or band was specified as one of the fun factors. Who wouldn’t love a good jamming session with a group of people who share a love for music?

Your favorite songs

The close second motivational factor in the survey was learning to play your favorite songs. A cool guitar riff or a specific melody can spark the motivation for picking up a guitar. Among the most popular songs were many classics such as Hotel California, Stairway to Heaven, and Sultans of Swing.

Harmony & peace

Many survey respondents mentioned the calming effect of music as a reason for playing an instrument. It has been scientifically proven that music can reduce stress, anxiety, pain, and even depression. Music can also help calm down a hyperactive brain. The Finnish Brain Association says that this can be measured too: the effect of music can be seen in a lowering heart rate, decreasing blood pressure, and changes in hormone secretion, more specifically in lower cortisol and endorphin levels.

Energy

Funnily enough, also the energizing effect of music was among the top reasons and motivations for playing an instrument. While peaceful music can create a stress-free environment, more upbeat music increases energy and improves the overall mood. Very Well Mind’s article on the psychological benefits of music says that music can boost performance. In research done on this topic, it was found that adding a strong rhythmic beat to walking or running, boosted the athlete’s performance but also motivated them to stick to the endurance. On a side note, try adding songs with 125-140 beats per minute to your running list, this should do the trick for giving your pace a boost.

Also, the Finnish Brain Association backs up this theory. According to their article, as soon as a person hears music, his body syncs up with the music and its beat. When a group of people listens to the same song, their bodies start working in the same rhythm.

Escaping to music

Escaping their daily worries or stress with music was another frequently mentioned factor in the Big Guitar Survey. On one hand, learning a new instrument requires high focus and therefore does not allow the learner to think of other things. Setting up chords with one hand and strumming with the other, all while trying to stay in the rhythm, does not leave much space for worrying about your work projects. On the other hand, music’s stress-managing effects apply also to situations where the person is doing something else while “just” listening to music. 

Other listed reasons included activating your brain. It was mentioned that playing an instrument activates a part of the brain that otherwise doesn’t get used in daily life. According to the Finnish Brain Association, music has many health benefits to the brain: it increases blood flow and can even improve your memory. Music stimulates the parts of the brain that are responsible for feelings, cognition, and motor skills.

Some respondents mentioned that learning one instrument has made them want to learn additional ones to broaden their repertoire.

For many people, music offers all reasons and benefits listed above. It is interesting how the factors can change depending on the situation and the kind of music that is played. We can conclude that music and learning to play it, make life better in many ways. The trick is to find the right kind of music for each situation.

Learning to play guitar? Read tips from fellow guitarists.

Follow Musopia on Linkedin

Find more interesting reads here

The post What is YOUR reason to play? first appeared on Musopia Blog.