As of this writing, billions of people across the globe are confined to their homes as a result of measures taken by authorities to protect against COVID-19. The impact of the coronavirus is inescapable – it is having extremely serious consequences for all of us, putting unprecedented strain and stress on society.
In these uncertain times, it is important to take care of ourselves. As we adjust – temporarily – to spending more time at home, we need to make sure we take adequate time to destress from the news, social media, in addition to pursuing hobbies and interests that we enjoy. If you’re reading this blog post, you probably have at least a passing interest in learning to play the guitar. Why not take this time to work on your guitar skills?
In this blog post, we’ll look at a few reasons why playing the guitar is a valuable, lifelong skill – worthy of your time and effort.
Learning the guitar benefits your health
Learning to play an instrument can improve verbal memory, spatial reasoning and literacy skills – and has been shown to have positive effects on those who suffer from non-communicable diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease.
Among other benefits, listening to music can boost your productivity and help improve your mood. At a time when many people around the world have no choice but to work from home and spend more time indoors, the power of music is undeniable.
In addition, learning to play an instrument such as the guitar can teach you valuable life skills concerning self-discipline and determination. There are very few skills in life which can be mastered overnight, and learning an instrument does take time. However, it can be incredibly rewarding and help you develop vital skills which will help you in other areas of your life.
Learning to play an instrument can improve verbal memory, spatial reasoning and literacy skills – and has been shown to have positive effects on those who suffer from non-communicable diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease.
Among other benefits, listening to music can boost your productivity and help improve your mood. At a time when many people around the world have no choice but to work from home and spend more time indoors, the power of music is undeniable.
In addition, learning to play an instrument such as the guitar can teach you valuable life skills concerning self-discipline and determination. There are very few skills in life which can be mastered overnight, and learning an instrument does take time. However, it can be incredibly rewarding and help you develop vital skills which will help you in other areas of your life.
You can learn to play the guitar from your home
Federal, state and local governments around the globe have instructed citizens to remain at home to limit the transmission of COVID-19. Traditionally, this would have prevented many willing students from learning to play the guitar – particularly as social distancing guidelines would recommend not taking part in face-to-face lessons.
However, there are still a couple of ways you can learn to play the guitar from the comfort of your own home.
Using a book series – such as the Maestro Method – you can teach yourself how to play the guitar. This is a great idea if you’re looking to focus on something in your spare time during this period, and also acts as a great learning aid if you’re a parent interested in teaching your child how to play the instrument.
Additionally, you may wish to look into the possibility of online guitar lessons. Over software like Skype or Zoom, you can learn from an instructor who will be able to teach you and help you develop your skills. This means you don’t have to leave your home – ideal at any time, but especially convenient with the restriction currently in place. At Maestro Melody, we have been offering lessons via Skype since 2007.
Focusing on a hobby or skill gives you a break from everything else
With round-the-clock news and social media timelines flooded with updates about COVID-19, any escape from the rising case numbers and photos of empty grocery store shelves is a welcome break.
You need to make time to relax and indulge yourself in something you truly enjoy. We all have different passions, and different ways of relaxing – some of us like to do a yoga session, others like to draw or paint, and some of us like to play video games. It’s important, right now, to spend time doing something you love every single day.
If your passion is music, then there are so many things you could be doing. You should spend time listening to your favorite albums or watching some of the great music documentaries on Netflix. And if your passion involves playing an instrument, then make the most of your time indoors and sit down for half an hour each day to play it.
Whether you’re starting from the beginning or your music education is further along, not only will your skills improve with practice – you’ll also get the benefit of escaping the rigors of the coronavirus.
