As we get older, we seem to become less and less likely to try out a new hobby, but in a climate where more of us are struggling with anxiety and stress, as well as other serious mental health conditions like depression and addiction, maybe it’s about time we started to look for healthier alternatives to combat that?
Music has long been a method of bringing joy to people’s lives and learning an instrument for the first time can be a great creative outlet for expressing emotion, as well as providing you with the concentration, focus and patience to tackle more significant conditions.
Interestingly, in the likes of affordable drug rehab, music therapy and the teaching of instruments is becoming more prominent, and if it’s aiding people in recovery from the likes of cocaine and heroin addiction, chances are picking up an instrument can help you with your stresses too.
So, if you’ve always thought about it, but never picked it up, here are five instruments that are ideal to learn as an adult.
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Piano
While a piano isn’t cheap (you could always go for a keyboard), it’s often considered the cornerstone of musical education so can be a good place to start for adult learners. It’s an incredibly versatile instrument so you can play a wide range of musical styles, therefore suiting everyone’s needs.
What’s more, the layout of the keys on a piano makes it easier to understand music, while also being one of the more simple instruments to learn on a basic level. It’s good for improving hand-eye coordination and is a great workout for the brain.
Guitar
Many of us still have that dream of being a rock star, so picking up a guitar is one of more common instruments adults will pick up. What’s more, there are plenty of online resources to guide you through learning to, whether you want to play acoustic, electric or classical.
There are many ways in which to learn to play the guitar, and what you’ll find is not only a great outlet for expression, it’s great for dexterity and finger strength too.
Violin
For those looking for something more classical, and a little more challenging, the violin is a good option. It’s particularly demanding as it is a very precise instrument, much more so than a guitar, but the rewards are equally as great when you produce such stunning pieces of music.
It is a portable instrument, more so than a guitar, and certainly piano, so is a good learning option, while there are plenty of orchestras, ensembles and community groups to join that can aid the learning experience even further, as well as providing you with a more social and supportive experience.
Ukulele
Perhaps the easiest instrument to learn, and cheapest to buy, is the ukelele. It’s an incredibly enjoyable instrument to learn and can be a good platform to move onto the likes of the guitar.
It’s a nice small instrument, has fewer strings than a guitar too, which makes it easier to learn basic chords and strumming patterns.
What’s more, it creates a real cheerful sound and there are many ukelele community groups across the country to join, with the sound of singing and playing together a real uplifting experience.
Drums
For those who are drawn to rhythm and have a good sense of timing, learning the drums can be an exhilarating experience. Drumming can serve as an excellent physical workout, improving coordination, endurance, and fine motor skills. The sense of rhythm developed while playing drums can also enhance your overall musicality and timing.
While an acoustic drum set might not be practical for everyone due to space and noise considerations, electronic drum kits offer a great alternative. These kits allow you to practice with headphones and have adjustable volume levels, making them suitable for home use.
