When most people think of drum lessons, they picture all the fun of pounding on canvas to some wicked rhythm and living out their rockstar dreams. While this is definitely one of the many perks of learning how to play percussive instruments, what many people don’t know is that drumming is also a phenomenal brain workout for students of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a great outlet for your child to channel their creativity and energy or looking for a new hobby to explore as an adult, playing the drums can help boost your cognitive function and stress relief far more than you might think.
Below are some of the top ways drum lessons help improve brain power and why they are a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to enhance their musical horizons.
Sharpen Your Memory and Coordination
While we think of drumming as a hand-dominant instrument, the truth is that it is a full-body activity that requires your brain and body to work collaboratively together. Playing the drums requires your hands and feet to maintain an even rhythm, which keeps your brain actively engaged to ensure coordination and fine-tune your motor skills as you go.
Remembering the various patterns and beats involved in each song also helps give your memory a healthy workout and helps train it to retain more information, even outside of musical recall!
Improve Your Focus and Concentration
Focus and concentration are essential for playing any musical instrument but become even more important when playing percussion. Percussion instruments like the drums drive a musical piece forward, providing the foundation rhythm for other musicians to follow; that means that learning how to “tune in” and fully engage with your actions is crucial for musical cohesiveness. This level of focus has significant benefits for all areas of our lives, from school to work, or even just maximizing your ability to stay present in engaged in all tasks you take part in.
Drumming also requires plenty of multitasking, requiring hands and feet to work together. This type of mental juggling helps improve your ability to focus on multiple things at once, which is a handy skill in today’s fast-paced world.
Boost Problem-Solving and Creativity
While there’s plenty of technical theory and structure behind playing the drums, it also affords musicians the opportunity to create and improvise as they find their own “groove.” From learning how to nail tricking rhythms to creating a fluid motion as you sync up your hands and feet, overcoming the technical challenges associated with drumming encourages musicians to get creative and use problem-solving skills to overcome difficulties and make the most of their playing experience.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can get even more creative by adding your own signature touches or “flair” to every song and exploring different styles to develop your own musical style. Musicworks makes it easy to learn both the fundamentals as well as experience and tackle different styles like rock, jazz, and even classical drumming to expand your musical horizons as much as possible with our in-classroom (spanning over 26 locations in Canada!) and online instruction.
Relieve Stress and Boost Your Mood
Did you know that playing a musical instrument can be incredibly beneficial for your mental health? Drumming is a fantastic way to release built-up tension and stress, whether you’re tapping away on an electric practice pad or crashing brass symbols on a standard kit. As a physical outlet, drumming helps to boost endorphins, allowing you to feel less stressed and more relaxed while prioritizing a new, rewarding skill.
Fun and Engaging for All Ages
One of the best things about drumming is that it keeps you engaged the whole time you play. Whether you’re playing along to your favourite songs or learning how to experiment and express yourself by creating your own rhythm, seeing how you can progress with practice helps drive your motivation to keep going and tackle even more challenging techniques!
At Musicworks Canada, we offer tailored lessons that cater to your skill level and personal goals. These lessons are perfect for everyone from beginners to trained musicians who want to continue their progress. Our teachers make the learning process fun, helping you unlock the joy of music while reaping the cognitive benefits!
Feel the Beat with Musicworks Canada Today!
Discover your inner music prodigy and reap the benefits of drumming today! Contact our team to learn more about drumming lessons with Musicworks Canada!