As a musician, I have often asked myself this question. Why do I do music? Why does anyone? I think there are actually many reasons why it is important to play music including personal enjoyment, emotional expression and wellbeing, social connection, cultural preservation and exploration, and skill development.
First off, music is a form of art that many people enjoy creating and consuming. As art, people can find meaning and expression within the beautiful combination of sounds. Expressing and connecting with the emotions can create a positive experience and cultivate emotional wellbeing. As people listen to and share music with others, they can form connections and collaborate in a social setting. As music spreads, it becomes an intrinsic part of culture, preserving the sounds, lyrics, and emotions of a civilization for others across time and space to enjoy.
Playing music on a physical instrument is much different than simply listening to it. Mastering a musical instrument or singing requires practice, discipline and perseverance. It helps develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity, and introduces a tactile element to music, rather than simply an auditory sense. Demonstrating your skills in a performance builds self-confidence in a social setting where musical expression uniquely connects performers with their audience.
So the short answer is that playing music is enjoyable. Why you find it enjoyable may be different from someone else, but regardless playing music is a fulfilling and enriching activity.
