I believe strongly in the healing power of music, for both the physical and emotional well-being of the person playing.

• Physical 

Its is well documented that playing music reduces anxiety levels in the body by lowering levels of cortisol and releasing feel-good endorphins. This in turn lowers blood pressure and risks to the immune system, promoting good health and the healing ability of the body. I can use myself as an example. In 1999 I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, meaning I suffered from extreme tiredness that rest does not alleviate. I was unable to work for long periods and it was playing music that helped reduce the stress I was feeling. Music relaxed my nerves and aided my healing at a much greater pace. Also the routine of having a set time to practice helped a lot to establish some degree of order when my working and personal life was falling apart.

• Cognitive

It is not just the physical aspects but also the benefits on a persons cognitive function. Playing has been shown to improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, being recommended for people suffering from neurological conditions such as Parkinson disease as a way to improve activities associated with daily living, for example buttoning a shirt or using a remote control. Music also improves the brains working memory, as the player divides their attention between the brain reading, interpreting and ultimately performing the music. This is ideal for people looking to keep their brain sharp and also those suffering from dementia. For Children musical training also improves their reading ability and verbal memory, which can be result in higher academic achievement.

• Emotional 

While important, for me the most beneficial aspects is the emotional impact music has on our lives and how music provides an output for that emotion. Trauma and anxiety can be expressed through music and used to heal the emotional distress felt by the player. We have all of us at some point associated our feelings with a sad song and used that expression to funnel our grief and sadness. Music also has the ability to tap into our memories and transport us back to a happier time or bring back the memories of a loved one lost. I recently lost my beloved cat Jigsaw, who used to love the cello and would always wander in the room when I was playing, sit down with an inquisitive look before falling asleep at my feet. Playing now still makes me feel close to him and helps heal the grief by bringing back wonderful memories. But its not just what is lost but also what is gained. Music can also be associated with the joyous times of life such as marriage, graduation, birth of a son/daughter or even as just a daily retreat from the pressures of life.

The great Billy Joel said “I think music in iteself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by”. On this I agree.