Hitting The Right Note

Learning and playing a musical instrument can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. Usually done in childhood or early adulthood, but it is never too late to learn. An increasing number of adults and senior citizens are taking up music, either for the first time or after a long gap — in their adult life. It is wrongly believed that learning to play a musical instrument as an adult is too difficult as learning music has no age limits. Music is more than just an enjoyable hobby by learning to play an instrument, adults can improve overall health. Playing an instrument can help as music has the power to create a sense of relaxation, which is why many people turn to music when they are feeling stressed or anxious. Today there are various physical classes and even online classes that teach adults the musical instruments of their choice.

Let us meet a few adults who enjoy playing musical instruments or are learning them.

Enchanting Melodies

Laxmi Narasimha Reddy, an MSc chemistry student from Hyderabad who has been learning flute since 2020 says that playing flute makes him happier. Reddy says, “The flute is a melodious, calming and relaxing instrument. Playing flute helps me to let go of all my frustrations and am at peace. The sound of the beautiful music provides a soothing effect on the mind which relieves the tensions and worries of everyday hassles. I usually play it for half an hour daily. It has helped me to focus and concentrate better on my studies. Besides learning, I also perform flute at small events.” There is no age to learn a musical instrument. All one needs is passion, determination, and dedication to learn it. C. Santhosh (28), founder and director of Tuning Minds Cultural Academy, Chennai, says that they teach students from different age groups various instruments like drum, mridangam, tabla, keyboards, violin, etc. Santhosh says, “My youngest student is a 4-year-old and the oldest student is a 78-year-old. When parents enroll their children, many get interested and start learning. We have professionals, homemakers, and even retired people. Adults are more focused on mastering the instruments, initially, they may be a bit hesitant but once they learn the basic notes they learn quickly. One senior citizen who had stiff fingers once he started playing keyboards, after a year felt his fingers move well. Many adults feel that they are calmer after playing the instruments. Playing music aids emotional expression and can help in coping with anxiety, by providing an outlet for emotions.”

Learning to hold instruments correctly promotes good posture, helping physical health in the long term. “Music involves memorizing pieces, which exercises the memory and can enhance recall abilities.” adds Santhosh who is the “world Record Holder of the World’s Youngest Music Tutor (Male). Tuning Minds has six branches in Chennai city. He has been teaching since the age of 18.

Online Learning

Besides the mushrooming of music classes that one can attend physically, it is technology that has now made it easier to learn virtually. There are various online classes as well as tutorials that are of help. Hriday Ranjan, writer, and standup comedian from Hyderabad is learning tabla and believes that it is easier to learn as an adult. “There are many online resources to pick up from and then keep practicing. You need not become a professional as it is merely for pleasure. Without any pressure, one learns with more interest and focus. Since there is nothing to prove, it is all about learning for joy.” Hriday knows how to play guitar and cajon too. He feels playing tabla is like meditation. “If the mind deviates a bit — you lose the rhythm of the beat of the tabla. “Unlike vocals or string instruments, when playing a percussion instrument, one must always be mentally ‘present’. Playing an instrument gives me mental peace. Learning is also a humbling experience as an adult. It calms one down, and feels like an oasis one can escape to every day for a brief while.”

Never Too Late

Playing a musical instrument is comforting and enjoyable. It can also help distract you from other problems or worries. Pratima Kartik Shah (59) from Ankleshwar, Gujarat has been playing harmonium since 22 and Tanpura from the age of 51. Pratima has even passed the ‘Upantay Visharad level’ with an ‘A’ grade through state-level exams. After marriage, music took a back seat for many years. But once she rediscovered her love there was no looking back. “Music has been that invisible companion, my solid support, through the natural ups and downs of life. Sometimes one has certain biological issues, family pressures, and children moving out of the home to start their world. In all those moments music has been one ray of hope. Today when l play the tanpura, it helps me connect with myself. It has helped me to calm myself in situations that were beyond my control and to stay cheerful. Music has been my strongest anchor in any situation.”

Tryst With Music

There can be various reasons to embark on a musical journey as an adult. Creating music through a physical instrument can be therapeutic, allowing for emotional expression and stress relief. Adults who take up music lessons later in life often find a renewed sense of passion and fulfilment in learning a new skill. Dr. Sonal Anand psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, Mumbai says that playing a musical instrument gives a means of self-discovery. “People who are learning musical instruments benefit from increased focus, enhanced listening skills, and memory enhancement. They meet people with common interests and have better social interactions. Playing a musical instrument activates both motor and sensory regions. All these complex brain processes help to maintain good health,” Dr Anand says.

The process of mastering a musical instrument can be both challenging and rewarding, offering adults a productive way to channel their creativity. Taking up music lessons in adulthood can also have positive effects on physical health. “Playing an instrument requires hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and concentration, all of which contribute to improved cognitive function and dexterity in older age. Engaging in music lessons can boost self-esteem among adults as they acquire new abilities and achieve personal milestones,” adds Dr Anand.

Star Melody Makers

• Saif Ali Khan plays the guitar as he finds it de-stressing. He has performed for a charity concert and with bands. His wife Kareena Kapoor Khan has even shared a video on Instagram of Saif playing the guitar saying: “The best way to Christmas… is with my love playing the guitar… And having my babies and best friends around Love, light, and music to all.”

• Ayushmann Khurrana is an actor, lyricist, and singer who has showcased his musical skills many times in his movies and award functions. The Vicky Donor actor shares videos of him playing the guitar on Instagram. He also plays the piano. He has shared an audio-video on social media of him playing a haunting melody by the Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi.

• Pankaj Tripathi plays a musical instrument called handpan (shield-like). He even hired a tutor for it. It was his childhood dream to learn to play a musical instrument. He shared a video on social media saying: “My aim in life is to continuously keep learning and experiencing new things that it has to offer, very much like this new instrument.”

• Kalki Koechlin learned to play the ukulele (a four-stringed musical instrument that looks like a small guitar) during her pregnancy. She shared a video on social media saying: “O lele, started learning the ukulele when I was pregnant to play songs for my baby. It has worked out well, Sappho (her daughter) either gets excited or falls asleep with them. This African lullaby was one of the first songs I learnt from an album called Songs of the Baobab.”

People who are learning musical instruments benefit from increased focus, enhanced listening skills, and memory enhancement. — Dr. Sonal Anand, psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai

Playing flute helps me to let go of all my frustrations and am at peace. — Laxmi Narasimha Reddy, MSc student, Hyderabad

Music has been my strongest anchor in any situation. — Pratima Kartik Shah, musician Gujarat

Music involves memorizing pieces, which exercises the memory and can enhance recall abilities. — C. Santhosh, founder-director, Tuning Minds Cultural Academy, Chennai