Playing a percussion instrument comes with a unique collection of physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Whether you’re trying your hand at the mridangam or playing the drums or simply enjoying the tambourine, you are on the path to creating a great positive impact on your mental health.
1. Enhanced Cognitive Skills
When you play a percussion instrument, your brain simultaneously processes multiple rhythms and patterns – all of which gives your brain a great workout. Percussionists develop advanced program-solving and pattern detection skills as a result, and heightened spatial awareness while they navigate complex rhythmic structures on the go.
2. Improved Motor Skills and Coordination
When you are playing the mridangam, your hand-eye coordination improves. When you play the tabla, you build finger dexterity and hand coordination. Playing the drums demands hand and foot coordination. All of these movements enhance fine motor skills and improve hand-eye synchronisation.
3. Physical Fitness
Fun fact: your standard drumming session can burn up to 500 calories! Drumming and other forms of percussion playing are excellent forms of exercise. The physical exertion involved in playing can be equivalent to a moderate workout, improving cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance. This aspect of percussion playing makes it a fun and engaging way to stay active and healthy.
4. Stress Relief and Emotional Well-being
The rhythmic nature of percussion playing has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Engaging in rhythmic activities triggers the release of endorphins, the brain’s natural mood lifters. Percussion can also serve as a form of emotional expression, providing an outlet for processing feelings and reducing anxiety.
5. Cultural Appreciation and Musical Versatility
Percussion instruments are integral to many musical traditions and genres worldwide. Learning about and playing different percussion instruments broadens musical horizons and deepens cultural appreciation. Whether it’s the African djembe, the Latin conga, or Indian instruments like the mridangam and tabla, each instrument offers a unique perspective on rhythm and music.
Want to get started? Check out our self-paced courses on the basics of the drums, Carnatic vocal percussion (konnakol), and tabla. You can also explore our live classes here.
