Get a brain boost by learning new instruments

It’s never too late to start learning a new instrument—and even better, picking up a new instrument stimulates new parts of the brain, creating greater neuroplasticity and improving brain health. Besides the neurological benefits, playing an instrument provides new forms of expression and brings more joy into your daily life. If you already play an instrument, expand your musical chops by picking up another.

Whether it’s stringed instruments or woodwinds, choose the instrument that resonates with you the most. The point of picking up a new instrument is to have fun, so take off the pressure and look up songs you like.

Mendini 16-Inch MA250 Viola

Known for giving off a deeper sound than a violin, a viola is perfect for getting those brain juices flowing. With this Medini 16-inch Viola, you’ll have fun learning to read music notes while coordinating your hands to play the right notes. Even if you’ve played other instruments, learning the viola will still give you a brain boost: this instrument has its own musical notation, called a clef.

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Cecilio CCO-300 Solid Wood Cello

The cello gives off a rich sound that you’ll enjoy as you learn to play it while sitting. This cello is perfect for beginners and comes with a case, bow, and extra set of strings. Your brain will fire new neurons as you learn to tune your instrument for the first time and learn the notes that each string represents. It’s a fun way to exercise your brain without feeling like it’s work.

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Mendini By Cecilio Violin Beginners Kit

Get started on the violin with this violin beginners kit: it’ll allow you to play and learn the violin on the go. The kit comes with everything you need as a beginner, and you’ll enjoy hearing the rich sound emanating from your violin as you play it for the first time. Look for your favorite songs to get the excitement flowing as you get a grip on playing this instrument–it’ll make the learning process fun and easy.

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Mendini by Cecilio B Flat Student Clarinet

Kill two birds with one stone with the clarinet: you strengthen your lung capacity and encourage neural plasticity when you learn to play the clarinet. This woodwind instrument will give your lungs a workout. Start with simple tunes to ease in as you become familiar with the clarinet, then move on to more complex tunes over time. It’ll help you pace yourself so you can continue reaping the benefits of playing a musical instrument over a longer period of time.

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Mendini By Cecilio Flutes Closed Hole C

Try playing the flute and enjoy the messy process of imperfection: learning anything new means having the permission to make mistakes and have fun. Featuring a silver-plated body and keys, play this flute for your own enjoyment. You can become a self-taught flutist through online tutorials or learn under the tutelage of a teacher. Either way, the possibilities for expression and brain activity are endless with a flute in hand.

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The possibilities for picking up a new instrument are endless: choose the instrument that most interests you. From learning how to read musical notation to playing to a rhythm, music is a great way to give your brain a boost. It can even increase your creativity, enhancing your life in more ways than one.