It’s never too late to learn a musical instrument.

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Recorders used to be musical instruments that people wanted to hear. It was a 1946 article in atlantic ocean Explain that it is mentioned fondly in Shakespeare. Hamlet and Milton’s lost paradise– One 17th century British navy leader wrote in his diary: This made the best sound he had ever heard. Recorders were the instruments of kings and queens: Henry VIII had a collection of more than 70 of them.

But in 1946, recorders were often associated with terrifying screams. This is most often caused by children’s voices. And few adults play it these days. In fact, they don’t play any instruments at all. Not a recorder But neither are piccolos or pianos. A 2022 survey conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts found that about 11 percent of American adults play a musical instrument. Children are getting a lot of musical education. But when you get older They will stop training. Many stopped to pick up their instruments.

This is a pity. That’s partly because a lot of research shows that adults can benefit from playing music. Doing this protects the nervous system. “It helps you build bigger brain networks and new pathways,” says Daniel Levitin, author of a recent book. I’ve heard there’s a secret chord: music is medicine.Tell me, he told me, you create these paths by listening to music. But playing a musical instrument also strengthens motor pathways: “You’re really building the brain’s capacity.” Musicians often have Better attention than people who are not musicians Playing the drum or trumpet can also be done. relieve stress– Reduce burnoutand Helps with anxiety and depression– For the elderly especially, there is research that It shows possible intellectual benefits. along with the possibility Reduce the risk of dementia–

I’ve heard there’s a secret chord: music is medicine.

by Daniel J. Levitin

So why don’t adults do the same? Part of the problem may be that music education is tied to childhood and teaching. “When it seems like a school thing. It seems like something you grow out of,” Mandi Schlegel, a professor of music education at the University of South Carolina, told me. (Another way to think about this: Have you ever done a math exercise for fun?) Anyone can make music, but the idea is “Taught From Us” Michael Spitzer, British musician and author Musical Man: A History of Life on EarthTell me after people grow up learning music in childhood. They often think “Music is a special talent,” he says, when I tell people I play the flute. I always remind them that I don’t play. Play like Lizzo– Although I am very proud of my voice. But I accept that most people probably don’t want to spend a lot of time listening to an intermediate flutist.

Sure, people are busy. They may not have the luxury of sitting through a Bach class once a week. That’s a lot less than paying for a musical instrument or private lessons. Once you’ve conquered those humps, Searching for other people Doing the same is another challenge: It’s easy to go to the park or the gym and play basketball together. But gathering people of the same skill level to play together. A concerto or even a garage jam is another matter. Few adults played any musical instruments at all. And even more so when playing in small groups. This is a shame because research has shown that playing music together has additional benefits. “We trust each other more. We feel more connected to others. Perhaps even more connected to the world at large,” Levitin said.

Still, I can attest that it’s worth the effort to pick up the instrument. Even if you can’t do it in groups. You can find me once a week at the local music school. Waiting in the lobby with the children. Cool from Los Angeles One night last summer My flute teacher, Derrick, surprised me with a recorder. Part of it is just a gag gift. I sent him a viral video of a man using a recorder while surfing. and promises to learn to do the same. But it’s also serious: Derrick also teaches dictaphone. And my gesture was very touching.

We spent most of that lesson laughing. I’m going to pull out a few notes. Then they burst out laughing in the middle of the song. Dictaphones can sound positively medieval. As if you were in game of thrones When you’re really playing “Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” but I’ve learned that it’s also cute. And it’s really fun to play. I plan to continue learning. Not because it made my nervous system stronger. (Although I don’t think so.) But because making music, even when it’s silly – maybe especially when it’s stupid – is just a ton of fun.