I recently came across an interesting top 10 list and thought it would be a perfect post to share during this Holiday season. According to a poll conducted by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) – music making is at an all time high. That being said, the holidays are the perfect time to share the gift of music by giving instruments, gear and lessons. NAMM’s “Top 10 Reasons” illustrates just some of the many proven benefits of a nontraditional musical gift that keeps on giving beyond the holidays:
1. You’re never too young OR old to learn how to play music – A common myth, but music can be learned at any age, and studies show that making music is a life-long skill that enriches the lives of children and adults.
2. Making music relieves stress – You don’t have to be a professional musician to make music. Recreational music making has been scientifically proven to help reduce stress and reverse the body’s response to stress at the DNA level. With the holidays as one of the most stressful times of the year, making music or giving a gift for someone special to make music for you, can help reduce stress for an entire family.
3. Making music fights off depression – Depression affects about 19 million people in the U.S. , and with the holiday season as one of the most vulnerable times of the year, music making can make all the difference in keeping spirits uplifted.
4. Enrich your holiday experience – and your life! – with music making – Whether gathering around the piano to play holiday tunes, staying up late in your studio to write a new song or going out to see a live band, music making vibrantly brings the entire holiday experience to life.
5. Use music to create lasting family traditions – Each family has its own traditions, but music making offers a new way for families to celebrate the festive season together.
6. Playing music together promotes bonding – If you’ve ever played in a band or have been a part of an ensemble of some kind – you know exactly what I mean. A special bonding experience happens anytime that a group of people make music together. As families and friends come together during the holiday season, playing music offers an exciting way for everyone to join in on the fun, creating a sense of togetherness.
7. High play value of musical instruments – The average cost that parents will spend on giving gifts to their kids is $200, with many kids tossing those gifts aside in a matter of months and moving on to the next fad. But with the gift of musical instruments, parents can give their kids a priceless pastime that will last for many years or a passion for music to last a lifetime.
8. Cost comparison/savings over time – On average, Americans are expected to spend $638 on holiday shopping this year, according to a 2009 National Retail Federation Report. When compared to the average price of music lessons, studio gear and pre-owned instruments, the cost of music making is typically less in comparison. For example, Graham Cochrane over at therecordingrevolution.com explains how you can set up your own starter home studio for $300!
9. Biggest regret most people have - According to a 2009 Gallup Survey, 85 percent of Americans who do not play a musical instrument say they wish they had learned to play. The holidays are a perfect time to make that wish come true. For example: Rob Thomas, acclaimed recording artist and songwriter, regrets not taking piano lessons.
10. Unleash your inner rock star (or your child’s inner rocker!) - Take virtual music making with video games to the next level and let yourself or your kids develop their talent with a real musical instrument, just like their favorite bands and artists.
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