Extracurriculars are a large part of a high school student’s daily schedule. This includes a variety of activities, like sports, art, music, and more. Often, a student’s day can be filled with homework, which can be time consuming, and extracurricular activities may only add to the stressfulness of the day. Although doing an extracurricular like music may be a burden due to  the lack of time some students may have, playing an instrument can help with a student’s well being. 

Often, the older a student gets, the less likely they are to play an instrument. It has been found that a child in the United States in fourth grade is more likely to play an instrument, compared to their upperclassmen in eighth grade. Whether this is because of lack of interest or a busier schedule, the older a student is the less likely they are to play an instrument. 

The students who stick with playing an instrument throughout high school can see benefits around their day, and in their long term health as well. Those who play instruments can see an overall increase in endorphins, which produces happiness and lessens stress. When a student is under anxiety, playing their instrument can help ease their mind. 

Ainsley Fink, a sophomore at Brunswick High School plays the ukulele and piano. “Music in general can help people,” Ainsley said. “Music helps me talk to other people who play instruments. I like playing them, it’s also relaxing for me as it gives me something else to focus on when I’m stressed out.”

The neuroscience behind creating music is intriguing, as playing an instrument can also bring out many other brain chemicals like dopamine, and oxytocin.  It uses many different areas of the brain at one time. Since lots of instruments require multitasking between different hands, like the cello, piano, and trumpet, it accesses different parts of the brain.

Playing an instrument takes muscles that might otherwise not be accessed in day to day life. Certain instruments like the violin takes specific muscles to hold the bow correctly, or to balance it on the collarbone. Brass instruments and woodwinds require a strong lung capacity in order to maintain proper breath control. The guitar allows muscles in the hands to increase throughout playing, increasing overall dexterity. 

An important component of movement with an instrument is posture. Without correct posture, injuries can occur. When a musician has incorrect posture, it can lead to syndromes like carpal tunnel, tendinitis, and other aches and pains. There are easy ways to fix incorrect posture with practice. With correct posture when playing an instrument, the musician’s sound and overall technique could be improved. 

Mr. Hendy, the music teacher at Brunswick High School encourages students who have not picked up an instrument before to do so. “It’s a way of social and emotional relaxation,” Mr. Hendy said. “You are creating music from something. It is another way of expressing yourself through art.”

All music classes at Brunswick are taught by Mr. Hendy, including guitar, piano, orchestra, marching band and more. “I think one of the biggest things an instrument gives you is routine,” Mr. Hendy said. “Playing the flute has given me a routine. I know I need to play my flute everyday, so I need time management.” 

The social aspect of playing an instrument is just as important as the neurological and physical aspect. Whether it is playing with friends or family, joining a band to perform music, or simply taking a class, finding a community is beneficial. When you discover people who share the same interests as you, you can obtain a sense of belonging and happiness. 

Music is like its own language, one you can learn and create yourself. The benefits of playing an instrument spread a variety of factors, as they strengthen your neurological, physical, and social well being. It is never too late to become a musician and learn any instrument. You can pick it up at any age, and no matter what you will experience its positive effects.