Music Lessons: A Great “Senior Activity”

While America’s dairy farmers like to tout that “milk has something for every body,” our nation’s music teachers and schools could make a similar argument for music lessons. And it doesn’t matter how old you are. Music education is becoming popular among senior programs and activities.

“The developmental benefits of music study for children — as young as four and five years old — have been well documented over the years,” said David Terry, president of the North American Music Teachers Association. “But studies also show that music education programs can be healthy seniors activities, especially as a way to relive stress, reduce feelings of loneliness, and depression. So it’s really never too early or too late to start a music lesson program.”

An article published in AMC Music News, June 2, 1999 quotes Dr. Frederick Tims: "Music making makes the elderly healthier. There were significant decreases in anxiety, depression, and loneliness following group keyboard lessons.” These benefits are critical in coping with stress, stimulating the immune system, and maintaining better health.

“With more emerging research linking active music making to a host of educational and health benefits as well as being a source of expressing creativity and having fun, it’s only natural to see an increase in playing across every U.S. demographic group,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, National Association of Music Merchants. “More Americans are discovering that you don’t have to be a ‘musician’ to enjoy the proven benefits and enjoyment of playing music.”

All students have different needs for music lessons, but in terms of the health benefits of music, seniors have a lot to gain. With free access to NAMTA, parents and students of all ages can review professional profiles to find the right teacher or school to meet their specific music goals.