Lakmalee Hewawasam
Strumming your Soul – How Musical Instruments Harmonize Our Human Qualities
Have you ever watched someone play a musical instrument and felt a little spark of envy, a thought that maybe you could do that too? That feeling is more than a simple wish for a cool new skill. It’s a pull toward something deeper, a chance to unlock a more patient, intelligent, and soulful version of yourself. Learning to play music is a journey that changes you from the inside out. It’s a fun and rewarding workout for your soul, strengthening the qualities that make you, well, you.
The Enduring Love Story of Practice, Patience and Persistence
When you first pick up an instrument, it feels like a clumsy, often frustrating, dance. The notes are messy, your fingers feel foreign, and progress seems painfully slow. But this struggle is where the magic truly happens. It’s the beginning of a love story with a craft that demands your full attention and commitment. By showing up day after day, despite the off-key notes and sore fingertips, you learn the true meaning of patience and persistence. You discover that big goals aren’t reached overnight; they are built one small, consistent step at a time. It’s a powerful lesson that success comes from dedication, not from a lucky break.
This kind of discipline is a valuable life skill that helps you in every other part of your life. Whether you’re studying for an exam, working on a long-term project, or building a new habit, the mindset you develop through practice will help you stick with it. You learn to celebrate those small victories; the day you finally master a difficult chord or the moment a challenging song sounds perfect. These small successes build a rock-solid sense of self-worth and resilience, a quiet confidence that whispers, “I can do this.” The physical and mental challenge of learning to play rewires your brain and body, creating new neural pathways and muscle memory that feel like a superpower. It’s a commitment to your own growth, and there’s nothing more rewarding than that.
As a Brain Workout Which is Sharpening Your Mind and Focus
Playing music is one of the best exercises you can give your brain. Think of it as a full-body workout for your mind, a cognitive gymnasium that strengthens your mental muscles. It forces you to use many different parts of your brain at the same time in a highly coordinated way. You’re reading music (a visual skill), listening intently for the right pitch and rhythm (an auditory skill), and moving your body with precision (a motor skill). This complex mental juggling act strengthens the connections in your brain, leading to a better memory, improved problem-solving skills, and enhanced coordination.
Your brain has to quickly translate the symbols on the page into physical movements, all while listening to make sure you sound right. This ability to multitask and think quickly makes you sharper and more mentally agile. It’s an incredible boost to your ability to focus, allowing you to block out distractions and concentrate on the task at hand. The kind of focus required to play a difficult piece of music translates directly to better concentration in school, at work, or in any other area of life where focus is key.
The Heart of the Matter – Empathy, Bond, and Communication
Music is a powerful language that speaks to our emotions in a way that words often can’t. When you learn to play a song, you’re not just playing notes; you’re expressing feelings as joy, longing, sorrow, and excitement. This process helps you get in touch with your own emotions and, more importantly, to understand the emotional landscape of others. It builds a deeper sense of empathy and emotional intelligence.
Playing in a group, like a band or an orchestra, takes this to another level. It’s a lesson in silent communication. You have to listen carefully to what your fellow musicians are playing and adjust your own performance to blend in. You learn to anticipate their cues and respond, creating a cohesive, beautiful sound together. This teaches you how to cooperate, communicate without words, and become part of a larger whole. It builds a sense of teamwork and respect for others’ roles. The shared experience of making music with others creates a powerful bond and a feeling of being a part of something bigger than yourself. This skill of listening and responding to others is a foundational skill for building strong friendships, family bonds, and professional relationships.
Finding Your Own Voice – Creative Expression and Inner Peace
In a world full of routines and rules, music gives you a place to be completely free and creative. Whether you are improvising a new melody, writing your own song, or just adding your own unique touch to a cover, you are engaging in a pure act of creation. This ability to create something from nothing is a fundamental part of being human. It gives you a unique way to express your innermost thoughts and feelings and provides a healthy and positive outlet for your imagination.
Playing music is also a fantastic way to relieve stress. When you are focused on the rhythm and melody, your worries and daily troubles tend to fade away. The act of playing can be meditative, a way to disconnect from the pressures of the day and find a sense of calm. The pure joy of making a good sound is a simple pleasure that can lift your spirits and provide a feeling of deep satisfaction. It’s a healthy way to deal with stress and find a source of happiness that is always within your reach. Music can be your personal diary, a place to process your feelings and find inner peace.
Which Instruments are Best for a Positive Mentality?
While any instrument will offer these incredible benefits, some are great for beginners and for building a positive mindset. The best instrument for you is the one you feel most excited about.
🎵 Piano/Keyboard –
This is often the go to starting point. The visual layout of the keys makes it easy to understand music theory. You can play both chords and melodies, which gives you a strong foundation. A digital keyboard with headphones means you can practice without worrying about bothering anyone, which can be a huge confidence booster for a shy beginner.
🎵Acoustic Guitar/Ukulele –
These stringed instruments are popular because they are portable and have a warm, inviting sound. They’re great for learning basic chords and strumming patterns. The ukulele, in particular, is known for being easy to pick up, making it a fun, low pressure way to start your musical journey.
🎵 Drums/Percussion –
If you have a lot of energy, drums are a fantastic choice. Playing drums is a great way to release stress and frustration. It also dramatically improves your coordination and focus. You don’t need a full drum kit to start; a simple hand drum can provide an excellent introduction to rhythm.
🎵 Violin/Cello –
These stringed instruments are known for their rich, expressive tones. While they can be challenging to learn, the effort required teaches incredible discipline. The ability to create such soulful music is a rewarding experience and a great way to develop patience and fine motor skills.
🎵 Clarinet/Saxophone-
Woodwind instruments are excellent for developing your breath control and understanding of melody. Learning to produce a clear, beautiful tone takes focus and patience, but the unique sounds they produce are incredibly satisfying. The saxophone, with its cool and expressive sound, is particularly popular in jazz and pop music.
Ultimately, the best instrument for you is the one that you feel most drawn to. The journey of learning and creating is what truly enhances your human qualities, making you a more disciplined, intelligent, and soulful person.
