Do I have your attention? If the title shocked you, I reached my goal! Of course it couldn’t be more false and absurd. Nowadays, it is a foregone conclusion that people of all ages benefit not only from listening to good music, but also from playing musical instruments. Did you know that it has become a scientific fact that acquiring and developing new skills or rediscovering old ones actually helps our aging brains stay young? Yes, and furthermore, scientific evidence has shown that when we exercise our brains we not only maintain healthy brain cells (neurons), but actually encourage our brains to create new ones! It’s something brain scientists call neuroplasticity. A recent PBS feature called the Brain Fitness Program described and documented this wonderful phenomenon in detail.

Some of us baby boomers remember our “garage band” days fondly. Why not take a page from the original Blues Brothers movie and tell your old bandmates, “We’re on a mission from God, we’re getting the band back together again.” So dust off your guitar, drums or other “ax” and get playing! Maybe you’re a die-hard fan of the swing era of big bands. Do you play the trumpet, saxophone or trombone? When was the last time you honked your horn? Is it in the attic or basement gathering dust and God knows what else (especially if you ate a peanut butter sandwich the last time you played)? The point is: if you’re a baby boomer or older adult and currently play a musical instrument on a regular basis, good for you. Keep it up. If not, the purpose of this article is to encourage you to pick up a musical instrument where you left off (even if you haven’t played since high school), or start playing one now! Sure why not?

While individual practice is important, it’s vital that you find other like-minded musicians with whom you can jam. It doesn’t matter if it’s someone else, a “garage band,” a big band, a community concert band/orchestra, or a jazz trio. Where you live will undoubtedly influence the quality, quantity and variety of musical groups available to you. For example, someone living near New York City or Chicago would have far more diverse opportunities for recreational play than I do living in New Smyrna Beach, Fl. However, it can be done. Don’t be shy or feel like you’re not good enough. Most community gangs are a great place to start. Plus, it’s all about fun!

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of quality music instruction products on the market. From books to CDs and DVDs, all kinds of “backing” recordings where professional (sometimes famous) musicians perform the background and you provide the lead solo on whatever instrument you play. The most popular in this genre is Jamey Aebersold and the Music Minus One series.

Here is your musical success and your great performance!