Thinking of learning a woodwind instrument – this includes recorders, oboes, clarinets, flutes, saxophones, and bassoons? Well, did you know that learning one of these instruments will improve more than just your musical understanding and technique?

In this article, we’ll share with you four surprising health benefits of learning a woodwind instrument. It’s incredible stuff, so let’s get started right away.

1. Strengthen your breath

Playing a woodwind instrument will force you to become conscious of every facet of your breath, from relaxed and open inhalations to sharp and controlled exhalations. Woodwind instruments will absolutely give your lungs a serious respiratory workout.

Higher woodwind instruments require your full lung capacity at a high speed. Lower woodwind instruments use your breath in a different way, by utilising tremendous volumes of air at a low pressure.

Regardless of the wind instrument you choose, your breath will soon become a practiced and refined tool that you can use musically and beyond. For example, consider the power of breath during exercise or meditation.

2. Improve your posture and strengthen your core muscles

The constant and conscious inhalation and exhalation demanded by woodwind instruments will give more than your lungs and diaphragm a workout. The action will force you to use your core muscles.

Some wind instruments require an incredibly high airspeed, too, encouraging you to engage your abdominal muscles even more.

With strengthened core muscles comes better posture – but that’s not the only aspect of playing a wind instrument that’ll nag at your slouching back. Playing a wind instrument in a slump makes it extremely uncomfortable. Because of this, wind instrumentalists usually spend a few minutes checking their posture and alignment before they begin to play. These checks can spill over into everyday life.

3. Confidence and calmness when under pressure

Performing can be terrifying, even more so when you are assigned a solo part. You’ll be forced to uncover ways to minimise this fear, to cope and even thrive under pressure.

This health benefit is shared with all other instruments. But, because wind instruments require you to have full control over your breath, remaining at ease is even more crucial to a successful performance.

4. Boost hand-eye coordination

If you’ve ever watched a seasoned wind instrumentalist play, you’ll know that it takes a whole lot more than breath control to master the flute, saxophone, or other woodwind instruments.

This class of instrument requires dexterity of the fingers and coordination with the tongue, eyes, and breath. When you start to play, you’ll discover a whole host of muscles you never knew you had. With repetitive, slow practice sessions, you’ll improve your fine motor skills, which again will bleed into your everyday activities.

Learn a woodwind instrument

If you’re ready to experience the many benefits of learning a woodwind instrument, get in touch. Our qualified teachers can help you or your child fulfil their musical potential and aspirations. Call the Academy today on PHNO or fill out the form on this page, and we’ll be in touch soon.