There are many reasons why anyone should learn how to play any instrument, but for those who love the sound of the banjo, there’s more to it than that. If you have heard the instrument and can’t help but marvel at how it sounds, you’re not alone. The banjo has gained plenty of notoriety in recent years, especially seeing how many celebrities now play it – and have their own bands, too! Like Steve Martin and many others, don’t you wish you could play this instrument and be one with the ‘in’ crowd? Believe it or not, it’s not as difficult as it seems! A lot of it has to do with practice and skill, and once you’ve mastered a few tunes, you’ll never look back. Besides, playing the instrument has more than a few benefits. So what are the important reasons you should learn to play the banjo today? Let’s find out.
- It’s great for the brain!
One of the foremost reasons the banjo is so popular is that it’s a wonderful exercise for the brain. Even if you play it for only a few minutes each day, it can already help you relax. According to science, playing musical instruments can transform the structure of your brain, and it’s a great way to get mental health exercise. Your brain will not remain stagnant since it encourages growth and stimulation, and you’ll develop your brain even as you get older. In addition, individuals who play it tend to be more mentally alert than those who don’t, and your brain experiences a wave of stimulation and a connection to the music you play.
- It enhances your reading and listening skills
As you learn to play the banjo, you will also learn how to read music, and this is true even if you go for free online banjo lessons or go for the real deal with a banjo teacher (or go with a combination of both!). It allows you to process information in the blink of an eye and strengthens your listening ability. Whether you practice playing the banjo on your own or as part of an ensemble, it lets you practice your tuning and timing, which makes you a better listener and reader in real life.
- It has physical advantages
Playing the banjo isn’t just for the brain – it’s also good for the physical advantages. When you play, you will either stand up or sit down, which is great in itself – but you will also use the muscles on your back and arms to hold on to the instrument and play with it. Continued daily playing can even strengthen your posture and allow your spine to align correctly – and if you have neck, hip, and back problems or would like to improve your posture, playing the banjo is the way to go.
- It helps you manage your time better
If you’re prone to being late or can’t manage your time well enough, you’ll be glad to know that playing the banjo helps you manage your time better. Since it’s all about practice, you need to find time in your schedule to do it – which takes a lot of dedication and commitment, too—figuring out when to practice and perform allows you to become more organised and set your priorities straight – which you can apply to other areas.
