Playing the viola is a skill that offers a lifetime of enjoyment. A versatile instrument, the viola can produce lovely melodies alone or form part of an edifying orchestra. But, did you know that playing the viola offers much more than a lovely way to express your artistic ability? By continuing to exercise your skill while your still in school you gain a number of advantages that will help facilitate your lifelong goals.
And because many music students aren’t aware of the additional benefits playing the viola offers for their current and future pursuits, this list can be quite an eye-opener.
Enhanced Academic Achievement
In recent years a variety of scientific studies have found that music instruction has the power to create, develop, and improve certain cognitive processes. Basically, learning to play a musical instrument enhances the way your brain works and the way you learn. It is especially beneficial for improving math and reading comprehension, although it will also augment your performance in other scholastic activities.
Playing the viola during your school years helps build a foundation for your future. The extra development and knowledge that a musical education provides, will translate into better marks and heightened store of general knowledge. And, an improvement in your grades and test scores will naturally increase your enrollment odds at the school of your choice.
College Acceptance
Playing the viola also provides a firm introduction to the personal achievements admissions boards look for in student applicants. Colleges want their students to excel in the workforce after graduation, and students who’ve participated in live performances individually or within a group can use their experiences advantageously.
It requires marketable skill to be able to perform with others consistently. It takes personal time management and steady self-discipline, and it requires patience, determination, and the willingness and ability to overcome personal challenges and develop a way to work together as a team. Moreover, following musical directions (notation) shows aptitude and performance execution. All of which, are crucial skills that colleges look for in future students because those experiences will serve as a key advantage in the future job market.
Future Employers
Hiring criteria is very similar to enrollment standards, and playing the viola for extra cash during your college years gives you real-world experience in handling business pressures. You can add your music experience to your resume, demonstrating to future employers your success in performing a number of marketable skills, such as:
- Teamwork Ability: Playing viola in an ensemble requires group harmony, without it, the performance suffers and no one will want to listen. This methodology transfers directly to the job market. Companies and associations need members who possess both the willingness and the propensity to work well with others. By highlighting this aspect of your years playing the viola, you gain an advantage over other applicants.
- Leadership Potential: When playing the viola for weddings, banquets, and other formal occasions, you gain practical leadership experience. It requires scheduling, time management, preparation, and coordination skills to perform for any steady length of time. It also requires you to think on your feet and be able to make flexible decisions to get the job done. Even if you can only take jobs during the summer break, this type of involvement will display your leadership potential.
Playing the viola not only strengthens your academic performance, it makes it possible for you to develop the marketable skills that will give you an advantage on your future collage and job applications. And by continuing to develop your skill throughout your school years, you can acquire the characteristics and marketable skills required to succeed in a competitive marketplace.
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