The Benefits of Music

Music has some pretty amazing benefits. It makes mundane tasks more exciting, reduces stress and anxiety, inspires, uplifts and motivates. Of course, the wrong kind of music can have the opposite effect, but it's clear that music and emotions are closely connected. There's even an entire profession (music therapy) devoted to healing through music.

In my experience, the benefits of being a music listener are amazing -- but the benefits of being a music maker are even better. Making music helps brain development, raises self-confidence and can improve cognitive abilities in non-musical areas.

When you combine these benefits with the hymns of the LDS church, you get spiritual benefits as well. There is a reason we use hymns in worship settings. They convey powerful gospel messages directly to human hearts.

By developing musical abilities, you allow yourself to be an instrument in the hands of God -- sometimes quite literally. You can serve in church music callings, visit hospitals and care centers to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those in need of comfort. You can be a much-needed source of light to those who are walking through darkness.

Not everyone chooses to make a living through music, but we can all use music to make a better life.