Ukulele Class
A Life of Music Awaits
Learning a musical instrument later in life opens up a world of possibilities and health benefits. The cognitive stimulation, stress reduction, fine motor skills development, emotional well-being and social engagement that result from playing an instrument.
The ukulele is a perfect instrument to learn because it's cost-friendly to get started, portable, easier on the fingers and fun.
Ukulele for Beginners (ukulele, song book & instruction provided) Mondays 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Boost Your Brain Power
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to keep our minds sharp and engaged. Learning an instrument like the ukulele is a powerful way to achieve just that. A scientific study found that older adults who engaged in musical training had better cognitive performance compared to those who did not. Playing an instrument helps to maintain cognitive function and may even contribute to a reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline. The act of reading musical notation and translating it into motor movements, like figuring out a chord and how to strum it, creates new neural connections, strengthening the brain's capacity to process information more effectively.
Adults who learned an instrument had:
- Better working memory
- Increased attention
- Faster processing speed
- Improved problem-solving abilities
Playing Music Each Day Keeps the Stress Away
Life can be stressful, but picking up a musical instrument can be an incredible stress-relieving activity. Playing an instrument allows for an outlet of self-expression as well as an escape from the daily routine, promoting relaxation and overall well-being. Playing an instrument later in life is a great way to relieve stress even if you’ve never done it before in your life!
Decrease Pain & Strengthen Fine Motor Skills
Learning and practicing ukulele requires precise finger movements, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. For adults in their later years, maintaining and improving physical function is crucial, and playing an instrument can contribute significantly to that goal. Playing the ukulele can help reduce arthritic pain. One researcher reported decreased arthritic pain in the hands and fingers of older students who practiced 30 minutes four days per week. The finger movements involved in playing an instrument like the ukulele provide an exercise for the hands and fingers that enhances finger dexterity, strengthens hand muscles, and promotes better coordination and flexibility.
Increase Emotional Well-Being & Feel Better
Music has a profound impact on our emotions, and learning to play an instrument can have a positive effect on our emotional well-being, particularly as we age. Engaging in music taps into our creative side and provides a sense of accomplishment and self-expression. It boosts self-confidence and self-esteem, allowing us to discover hidden talents and unleash our inner artist. Music has the power to uplift moods, alleviate feelings of loneliness or depression, and promote overall emotional resilience, contributing to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Find New Friends & Community
Not only can playing a musical instrument help us internally but playing a musical instrument can be a social activity, offering opportunities for interaction and connection with others. Later in life, there can be significant life changes like kids leaving the house or retirement. Playing music with others is a way to create social connections and forge new friendships in a time where there is a lot of change. Maintaining social engagement is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Participating in music-related activities fosters social connections, reduces feelings of isolation, and provides a platform for collaboration and camaraderie.
Cost
A ukulele and song book will be provide to all participants.
Membership is required to participate, to register please visit CivicRec.