In a time when people feel more and more isolated, it’s important to create and foster community, and learning an instrument is the perfect way to do that. Playing musical instruments has always been more than just an individual activity — it’s deeply social, and research shows it plays a powerful role in building community. Read below to learn more about the social benefits of playing music.
1. Synchrony and Social Bonding
- When people play music together, their movements and rhythms become synchronized.
- This physical synchrony stimulates the release of oxytocin, sometimes called the “bonding hormone,” which increases trust and social closeness.
- Studies from the University of Oxford (Pearce, Launay & Dunbar, 2015) found that group singing and music-making create feelings of friendship more quickly than other social activities.
2. Shared Identity and Belonging
- Participating in an ensemble, band, or choir gives individuals a shared goal and identity.
- Music often reflects cultural or social traditions — playing it together reinforces group values and strengthens community identity.
- Example: Marching bands, drum circles, church choirs, or cultural ensembles often serve as symbols of belonging and pride.
3. Communication Beyond Words
- Music is a nonverbal language — people can connect emotionally across barriers of language, age, or background.
- Neuroscience research shows that making music together synchronizes brainwaves (Lindenberger et al., 2009), allowing for a unique form of mutual understanding.
4. Cooperation and Teamwork
- Playing in groups requires listening, adjusting, and responding to others.
- Everyone’s contribution matters — from a single drumbeat to a full symphony — reinforcing the idea that community thrives when individuals coordinate.
5. Inclusive Participation
- Music allows people with different abilities, ages, and cultural backgrounds to contribute meaningfully.
- Community drum circles, for example, don’t require formal training — anyone can join and participate, fostering inclusivity.
6. Ritual and Tradition
- Communities use music to mark important moments: weddings, funerals, protests, holidays, religious services.
- Playing instruments in these contexts strengthens social ties and creates shared memories.
Interested in fostering community through music, or just learning how to play? Tap below to learn about our lessons, taught by expert instructors!
