I began teaching adult students more than 30 years ago through private lessons. From the start, I realized that teaching adults requires a different set of skills and approaches compared to teaching children. Adult students come with their own unique set of learning tools. They generally know exactly what they want and often have clear goals in mind.
One of the biggest differences I’ve observed in teaching adults versus children is that kids often just play the music and have fun, while adults want to understand it more deeply. They tend to explore the theory behind the music and how different elements come together. When working with adults, I think of myself as a musical consultant. I ask many questions to learn how they think, how they reason, and, of course, how they learn best.
A common challenge adult students face is overcoming biases related to their age. Many students tell me they feel too old to pursue certain musical goals. I believe this stems from the reality that time becomes scarce when balancing work and family responsibilities.
In my quest to become a better teacher and to help my adult students, I’ve been researching various studies on music and its impact on the brain. What I’ve discovered has been both revealing and reassuring. It has reinforced ideas I’ve held for many years: we need to build a society of thinkers, people who dedicate themselves to the improvement of the mind, and music is the key that can open doors far beyond simple entertainment.
When an adult is learning to play an instrument, they must engage their full attention on the task at hand. Playing music leaves no room for distractions. The student’s brain is involved in multiple tasks simultaneously—from reading music to coordinating their hands, breathing, and memory, all while interpreting the music. Music forces the individual to be fully present.
Learning to play a musical instrument also offers a peaceful retreat from the pressures of daily life.
This was one of the first phrases I came across in my research, supporting the importance of learning music as an adult. Although simple, anyone with a busy lifestyle can recognize just how vital this is. Every time I teach adults, I can physically see the change in their expressions as the lesson progresses. I see them relax. Music is an intense intellectual activity that requires the student to be fully immersed. As their attention focuses on the music, all other worries fade into the background. It brings them into the present moment. By the end of the class, I often see them relaxed and happy.
In today’s world of overachievement and pressure, my students deeply appreciate a time dedicated exclusively to them.
Learning music as an adult can also provide significant physiological stress relief. It has been shown to lower cortisol levels, which in turn reduces heart rate and blood pressure. It improves mental health and brings relief to the mind. Some therapeutic outcomes of playing music include improved communication skills, enhanced emotional expression, and reduced anxiety and agitation. Musical training promotes cognitive function, supports mental health, and helps individuals connect with both themselves and others.
When a student learns to play music, they develop an acute sense of listening. A music student becomes sensitive to changes in tone and rhythm, enabling them to analyze and interpret information with greater accuracy. As a result, they are also able to hear nuances in speech that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Many adult students have told me that their ability to listen and understand others in their work environment has improved significantly.
Playing an instrument activates both sides of the brain, increasing the neural pathways between them. It helps keep the brain sharp, boosts cognitive health, and reduces memory loss and cognitive decline. Playing music reduces stress, enhances memory and creativity, improves coordination, fosters social skills, and creates a sense of accomplishment. It is a fun and effective way to stimulate the brain and improve overall well-being.
Adult students who take lessons often experience a decrease in psychological distress, depression, and fatigue. They report improved self-esteem and fewer feelings of isolation. Additionally, playing music provides a temporary escape from the stresses of daily life.
In older adults, playing an instrument can have a positive impact on well-being throughout life by promoting empowerment, autonomy, and social cohesion.
A healthy lifestyle requires attention to both mental and physical well-being. Learning to play a musical instrument is a workout for the brain like no other. The positive effects of learning a musical instrument throughout a person’s life can have a profound impact on both their mental and physical well-being.