Play frst, work later Why we should pursue art-related hobbies throughout our lives

by Richie Jiang opinions staff

We all remember music class in elementary school: tweeting away at recorders, banging boomwhackers and singing “Lean on Me.” And of course, there was art class too, where we could draw misshapen zoo animals, spill paint and eat Play-Doh to our hearts’ content.

As fun as it might have been to display our utter lack of talent when we were younger, the majority of us don’t continue with an instrument as we grow older. It’s estimated that 74% of adults have played an instrument at some point in their lives, but only about 34% currently play an instrument.

If you’re part of that 40% that used to play but no longer do, consider picking up the instrument again. And if you’ve never played before, when is a better time to start than now?

Playing an instrument comes with a myriad of benefits. Besides being a great romantic tool (if you’re good, that is), playing an instrument can improve your brain function, reduce stress, improve your patience and perseverance and develop your appreciation for music. And of course, there’s the music itself. There’s nothing quite like the challenge of learning the basics of your instrument and the elation that follows when you successfully play through a song or piece for the first time.

True, being forced to learn an instrument as a child might leave a negative impression. Consider my case. I took violin lessons in elementary and middle school, but quit at the start of high school. For a year or two, I didn’t touch my violin at all. However, after making the monumental discovery that one can play more modern songs on classical instruments, I began to play again. Of course, it was harder without a teacher, and with my mom reminding me of how I never practiced this much while she was paying for lessons. But, being able to pursue an instrument at my own leisure allowed me to explore creative interests and destress.

Besides a childhood aversion, there are plenty of other reasons to justify not picking up an instrument: we say we’re just not talented enough, or it takes too much time and money, or it’s just not our thing. In some cases these might be genuine difficulties, but in other cases they’re simply excuses we tell ourselves to avoid having to step outside our comfort zone. If

Statistics about art

68% 68% of Americans said they are eager to use their creativity more often 79% 79% said they love the process of creating something from scratch

85% 85% of those who begin learning an instrument quit within two years

Sources: artsy.net, hellosimply.com

Scan here for a list of different creative hobbies and resources to pursue them you're even slightly interested in learning an instrument, just try it. Furthermore, these problems can actually be easier to solve than you think. Many beginner instruments can go as low as $100, or can be rented. From there, you can learn with the help of free online lessons or in person teachers.

However, if you feel that learning an instrument truly doesn't suit you, or are simply looking for a cheaper option, you can pursue another art-related hobby such as painting, drawing or photography. Most of these hobbies only require a few cheaper supplies from a local arts-and-crafts store, and like learning an instrument, there exist plenty of free lessons online. And just like learning an instrument, these other art-related hobbies allow you to express your creativity in different ways.

The importance of expressing your voice through an art-related medium cannot be overstated. You don't have to be a creative genius to enjoy the benefits of producing something artistic with your own hands. Each of us have unique perspectives of life, and to go through life without creating or playing something that can help others, even our own selves, gain a better understanding of ourselves is to do ourselves a disservice.

illustration by | EMILY LIU