by Todd Pheifer

Created on: December 13, 2008

People tend to have so many things crammed into closets, attics, and garages. Sometimes there is a good reason to save something, but other times people just haven't gotten around to cleaning. One of those items that tends to stay in closets or under the bed is the musical instrument from yesteryear. Maybe people keep them for sentimental value or perhaps it is because you aren't supposed to just throw away an expensive item like a musical instrument. In either case, these musical instruments can be used for something better than collecting dust. Here are a few good reasons why people should donate musical instruments.

Money talks

Musical instruments can be very expensive items to buy or even rent. Some schools do not have band and orchestra programs simply because the cost is too high for startup and maintenance. Schools always seem to be facing some sort of budget cut, and music programs are the types of offerings that often get cut first. Therefore, donating an instrument can be a wonderful way for a school to maintain their ability to teach music to their students.

Skills

Developing musical skills is a wonderful part of education. When people study an instrument, they can learn skills of personal discipline (practicing) and the ability to express themselves in front of others (performance). Granted, very few will grow up to become professional musicians and their musical output in the early years may not be the best quality, but it is still a good experience for the student. They learn to work in the community of a musical group and they have the opportunity to expand their academic horizons.

Thinking skills

Finally, music training is an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills. Music can be very mathematical in nature, and the repetition of playing music is a good way to develop certain mental processes. It can also help the student to develop timing, rhythm, and anticipation as they work through pieces of music. Again, this can be a bit hard to quantify but there seems to be a lot of agreement that music enhances the overall ability of the student.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this is about giving. Donating an instrument to someone who doesn't have one is a good way to spread joy and happiness throughout the world. Perhaps giving away an old horn won't create world peace, but it is one act of goodness that can beget other decisions that people make. So, dig out that old instrument and give it away. It may just improve the life of another.

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