Becoming An Adult Music Student

Do you have fond memories of when your school band put on a rock show in the assembly hall or when your school orchestra played for the Christmas concert? Were you too intimidated to learn an instrument because of the exam pressure or found the amount of practise required overwhelming?

Do you wish you had the opportunity to learn now?

As an adult, it can feel as though there are less opportunities available than there were when you were a child, especially when it comes to music. There are many misconceptions around learning an instrument as a mature student but hopefully we can set the record straight!

Firstly, your brain is not suddenly fully developed with no room left to grow once you turn 18. In fact, you can improve brain function at any age with the right training. Using brain scans to play an admittedly slightly more complicated version of 'spot the difference’, scientists have been able to determine that the corpus callosum (the big bundle of nerve fibres connecting both sides of the brain) is more prominent in musicians, regardless of what age they start learning. Yes, as a child you are capable of more powerful brain changes, however, learning music as an adult helps maintain brain function and prevent the possibility of functional decline.

Musicians of all genres are not stuffy or pretentious – they just have more developed brains! Musical training leads to highly developed multi-sensory skills which means that musicians are better able to process numerous things at once. This is because playing music causes you to use a multitude of senses all at the same time in order to make sure tone, pace, accuracy and dynamics are correct.

Another benefit to becoming a musician as an adult is the social aspect. Learning an instrument gives you a new skill which allows you to connect on a different level with others who are doing the same thing and opens up opportunities to participate in this activity together. Practising and performing music in a group improves not only your music ability but your social skills. Using your new skill to perform with others allows you to connect with a whole new group of people you may never have interacted with previously.

It is never “too late” to learn an instrument and actually adults prove to be great learners as they have the benefit of time, motivation and discipline to pursue the instrument of their choice. Motivation is a powerful factor in driving your will to practice, improve and gain enjoyment from the instrument.

To enquire further or to express interest please email brittensmusic@gmail.com

Alternatively, if you're ready to jump straight in, visit our Music School page and find out which lessons we can offer you!