Music has long been regarded as a powerful tool that can aid in learning, therapy, and communication. The extent to which music can benefit human beings, however, has yet to be fully understood. According to new research, learning how to play an instrument could be the key to improving brain function, and is far more effective than any application or digital learning tool available today. In this blog, we explore the benefits of studying music, and take a brief look into the global piano market.
According to an article published by The Guardian just a few days ago, learning an instrument has more than just surface benefits – it can actually change the anatomical structure of the brain by improving neurological connections and increasing the amount of grey matter, allowing for better verbal, spatial, and literacy abilities. This has largely to do with the fact that playing an instrument requires the use of three out of the five senses, and employs fine motor skills. An article published by Quartz further confirms these benefits by explaining how musical training can help speed up brain development during childhood, even if the training only occurs for a short period of time.
The piano is a unique instrument in that it has both an acoustic and a string component, making it incredibly versatile. Learning piano often sets a foundation for other musical endeavors, which is why many parents encourage their children to take piano lessons at a very young age. The global piano market is undergoing an interesting shift, what with the increasing popularity of digital and electronic pianos that allow for the integration of other programs. Additionally, greater availability of music material that can be found online has made it easier for more individuals to learn. Even such a traditional item as a piano isn’t completely immune to technological advancements and digital revolutions.
According to analysts at Technavio, the global piano market is poised to grow moderately at a CAGR of 2% by 2020. This is mainly due to the wide range of piano options available on the market, which vary in type and price point, and are geared towards different needs and financial levels. The Americas accounted for 39% of the market share in 2015, which can be attributed to a strong interest in music coupled with a high number of live music events and concerts.
If, in fact, learning a musical instrument does improve brain function to such a significant degree, perhaps it will become a replacement for learning apps, many of which haven’t yielded any sort of measurable results. Further, it will fuel the development of more applications specifically dedicated to music learning that can be used in conjunction with instruments. We might also see more and more adults learning how to play an instrument, rather than just children. Anything that can promise better and faster learning and increased brain capability is something that is highly desirable to human beings, especially in this day and age. In fact, many of the latest developments in technology center on the idea of making us “smarter.” Therefore, while the origins of playing musical instruments dates back thousands of years, the case for playing piano or any other instrument might be even stronger than we previously thought.
Want a more in-depth look at the piano market and where it’s headed in the next few years?
