One Way to Keep Your Brian Sharp

As many of my friends know, I love all types of guitar music including classical, flamenco, jazz, rock, and blues. But many people who are acquainted with me are not aware that I took classical guitar lessons from age nine through age 18.

Just over two months ago as I walked past my neglected guitar that had been gently weeping in the corner of my bedroom for too long, I made an important decision.

I would search for a classic guitar instructor willing to teach someone at my more "advanced" age.

The following day I found a guitar instructor whose students range in age from seven to 93 and booked a trial lesson. After that positive and yet humbling experience (as my fingers stumbled across the strings causing them to buzz way too often), I got new strings for my trusty "Rodriguez" guitar (yes, the maker of my guitar happens to have my last name), and officially began my new adventure into studying the guitar after a 50-year hiatus.

I set a goal of re-learning to read music and eventually being able to play as proficiently as I had in my earlier years. I also made a minor goal of being able to play "Evergreen" by this Christmas.

During the past two months of practicing about 15-20 minutes a day (usually!), my progress has been steady. I feel less awkward than I did during my trial lesson and my instructor assures me that I am regaining my ability to play guitar.

It's immensely satisfying and rewarding to re-learn a skill that I enjoyed decades earlier in my life. And I do think my concentration is sharper.

I don't have the research right at my fingertips but I recall having seen more than a few research articles attesting to the benefits of learning to play a musical instrument as a powerful way to keep your brain sharp after age 50 and enhance your life in general.

I love what author Lee F. Ryan says in one of my favorite books, The Natural Classical Guitar: The Principles of Effortless Playing,

When my students begin taking lessons, I suggest to them that the guitar is more than a musical instrument. I tell them that it is an excellent means of self-development. When you study it intelligently, it can help you learn to concentrate better, to memorize more easily, to improve mind-body coordination...In essence, classical guitar playing is a refined discipline that can help you realize your full potential and become a happier individual.

Yes, learning music can be transformational and enable you to shine after 50!