Michael J Hutton - Music Coach

Playing for health and wellbeing

It is no secret that learning to play a musical instrument like the guitar or ukulele can have a positive impact on your personal health and wellbeing.

When I started playing the guitar as a teenager I had very little self-confidence and low self-esteem.  I didn't realise it at the time but as I progressed I felt a sense of achievement, something I hadn't felt at school. I started to believe in myself, my confidence grew both personally and professionally, I felt more self-assured when going for interviews, making decisions and socially too. As I started performing, peers to whom I had been the butt of their jokes at school, now openly respected me for what I was doing.  I can honestly say I would not be the person I am now if I hadn't decided to learn to play the guitar and you can benefit too, whatever your background and circumstance.

So how does playing help?

Below are just a few reasons why learning to play the guitar or ukulele are beneficial to both your physical and mental health and wellbeing:

• It can be Therapeutic
• Good for your Heart
• Enhances Creativity
• Helps Future-Proof Your Brain
• Gives you a sense of Belonging
• Strengthens your Support Network
• Boosts your Confidence
• Allows you to Express your Feelings

If you are recovering from an illness it can..

• Assist the recovery of motor and cognitive functions in stroke patients
• Reduce depression, even in Dementia Patients
• Manage Pain and Healing after Surgery

Below are three articles explaining this in more detail but this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Scientific Evidence Suggests that Music can have a Profound Effect on Individuals by Dr Shilagh Mirgain
https://www.uwhealth.org/news/the-healing-power-of-music 

8 Reasons why Playing Guitar is Good for your Mental Health by Claire Davies on Music Radar
https://www.musicradar.com/news/8-reasons-why-playing-guitar-is-good-for-your-wellbeing 

A Spiritual Connection to Your Instrument by Dorit
https://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation/acoustic-nation-spiritual-connection-your-instrument