Testimonials on the value of making music

Why is making music important?

• Making music is fun.

There's nothing new about this assertion; people have known it since before recorded history. Making music brings people together, breaks down barriers and almost always leads to a good time. Playing really well can make you feel like you're on top of the world. And even if you're not brimming with talent, doing your best and even messing up occasionally is a lot more engaging than staring at the TV.

• Making music is good for the brain.

Over the last decade, a series of new scientific studies has demonstrated a link between active music making-not just passive listening, but actually taking part-and increased brainpower. Young kids who make music show improved spatial-temporal reasoning, which is the foundation of later success in math and science. And they actually get better grades than kids who don't take music. Click here to learn more.

• Making music is good for your body.

Did you know that making music is a proven stress reducer? And stress on the body has been linked to the performance of the immune system. Studies show that people who make music have had higher levels of melatonin, a revitalized natural production of Human Growth Hormone-even an increase in the immune system's natural "cancer-killer" cells. Click here to learn more.

• Making music is good for the soul.

Everyone knows that music is beautiful. And beauty helps your peace of mind. But did you know the benefits of music on well-being have been scientifically measured? For example, older people who make music show reduced levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness. Among younger people, those who make music together are less likely to use drugs or get in other kinds of trouble.

• Making music is good for the social life.

Does this one really need an explanation? No matter what your age there are a variety of musical activities to help you get started - preschool kids can enjoy the Sesame Music Zone, adults can become Weekend Warriors and seniors can join a New Horizons Band near them!

If you're not a musician already, you may feel a little embarrassed to get started. But the next time you're at a party and people start picking up instruments, you'll feel embarrassed not to.