For most people, their aim in life is to be successful. While the definition of what makes a person successful varies from one person to the next, there are a number of different traits that can lead to more success in life. Though these traits can be acquired in a number of different ways, musicians tend to develop them naturally as they hone their skills while learning to play an instrument.

Traits that lead to a successful life

At Capstone Music Burlington, we have amazing students – children and adults – that are exceptional academic students, successful in their careers and personal lives. Coincidence? Likely not as you read on…you’ll see why music and “life success” certainly have a correlation!

People who play music naturally develop a number of different traits that are thought to be a significant part of a successful life. Although there are a number of other skills developed while learning how to play music that can lead to success in life, some of the most common include:

Confidence in being creative

Playing a musical instrument is no doubt an exercise in creativity. Whether a musician is reading notes and playing them, or just plucking away and playing whatever they feel, a musician is always tapping into their inner creativity. The more they play, the more their confidence in their creativity will grow which will translate to other areas of their life.

Creates a sense of rhythm

A sense of rhythm is an essential part of both playing music and singing. Musicians will also find that rhythm is an important part of playing in a group or a band. Learning rhythm with music will lend itself to creating consistency in day-to-day life.

Brains develop the ability to think in patterns

Playing an instrument requires you to string together several notes in a string, creating a pattern of sounds. Most songs repeat the same pattern throughout, creating a repetition that is easy for the brain to identify and repeat. The ability to find relationships between notes is helpful in many life situations that involve making decisions and recognizing patterns.

More likely to have a higher IQ

A recent study has shown that learning to play a musical instrument increases intelligence by nearly 10 percent. The study tested nearly 5000 people who chose to learn a new skill over the course of six months. Using an IQ test both before and after the six-month timeframe researchers determined that music makers experienced the highest jump in their IQ score.

Can improve time management skills

Creating a practice schedule is the ultimate exercise in time management, which will teach any musician the importance of budgeting time and sticking to a schedule.

Helps increase self-control, focus and dedication

Learning how to play an instrument isn’t as easy as many people think it is, so self-control, focus and dedication are all important traits that will develop naturally. Sticking to a practice schedule and making the effort to learn music theory will allow a musician to hone these skills in other areas of their lives as well.

Ability to work well with others

Many musicians want to collaborate and play with others at some point in their music career, which is an important skill to develop for a successful life. Joining a band, jamming with a friend or playing a gig with a fellow musician all require the ability to listen to each other and work together to create a good sound.

Many attributes lead to a successful life – music included!

While there are a number of different attributes that can lead to or indicate the potential for a success in life, being a musician is sure to develop a number of them. Playing music has been shown to be both a source of enjoyment in life, and a way to learn many habits of a highly successful life.