When you learn to play an instrument, you get the obvious benefit of knowing how to operate your musical instrument and make music. That in itself is quite enjoyable and fulfilling. However, a lot of artists are going to tell you that they’ve learned a number of life skills from studying music. In this article, we look at four non-musical skills you’ll pick up as a musician.
1. Communication
If you frequently pitch music to playlists, interact with media outlets, and book shows, then it’s safe to say you’re doing plenty of writing. Keep in mind that the ability to describe your music in a clear and artful manner usually makes all the difference between whether professionals in the music industry, venue managers, and fans are going to take your music seriously or not.
However, even if you don’t write, contract negotiations, band meetings, and the conversations you have with other artists are going to help polish your communication skills.
2. Time Management
It’s impossible to cram when you are learning music. You cannot learn how to play an instrument just before your lesson or right before a performance. Understanding the timeline required to learn music is an excellent way to gain time management skills.
As you learn new music, you need to consider how long it might take you to learn it, when to practice, and how to best use your practice time.
You will probably need to use the same thought process to plan out other major responsibilities or projects that you take up.
3. Adaptability
The ability to accept change and go with the flow is another non-musical skill you will pick up by becoming a musician. Artists learn how to play with new groups of people, how to play a different style of music, and how to adjust to meet the requirements of a conductor. Whether it’s using a new procedure or learning to work with a different team, or adapting to new software, musicians will know it all.
4. Perseverance
Learning how to play an instrument can be frustrating, both mentally and physically. Whether you are a guitarist playing with sore fingertips or a vocalist who simply cannot hit that high note, it can be easy to want to give up. It takes a special skill to stick to something knowing that it’s going to be tough and that it won’t always be fun.
Life presents us with so many other tasks that aren’t always pleasant or enjoyable, but we just need to get them done. The perseverance you acquire by learning music is going to help you see the bigger picture and understand why pushing through can be highly rewarding.
Last Few Words
With producing and sharing music often being so tough, several artists forget how it can enrich them personally. If you pursue music long enough, you will surely pick up important non-musical skills that can improve not just your career but all aspects of your life.
Eric Dalius is The Executive Chairman of MuzicSwipe, a music and content discovery platform designed to maximize artist discovery and optimize fan relationships. Beyond his work at MuzicSwipe, he hosts the insightful weekly podcast “FULLSPEED,” engaging with entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Eric also contributes to education through the “Eric Dalius Foundation,” offering four scholarships for US students. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Entrepreneur.com.