Scores of people want to take their love for music to the next level by learning how to play an instrument. However, too many feel that they don’t have a natural ability or lack musical talent, and ignore the urge to sign up for lessons. They might be intimidated by the hours that are required to be proficient at a musical instrument or be put off by the stereotypical lifestyle of a musician. In spite of all that, they might pick up a guitar and learn a few chords to sing songs to their children, or express their creativity by banging away on a drum set in a weekend garage band.

If you have a deep love for music — no matter if you are a senior, adult, teenager or a child — music lessons can be a boost to your self-esteem and your social life. Making music can be a solo act, but it is often contingent on playing with other musicians and connecting with other people. It is often more fun, too! Learning a popular guitar riff or piano jingle comes with great satisfaction, but to be able to break out your guitar as you gather with friends around a campfire is priceless. No one ever said you had to quit your day job in order to be a musician.

Music lessons also can bolster your cognitive thinking and boost your brain power. Research published in 2009 by the Institute for Music and the Mind at McMaster University in West Hamilton, Ontario, shows a strong correlation between musical training for children and certain mental abilities. According to the study, a year or two of musical training can lead to higher levels of attention and memory.

In addition to stimulating your thought process, the style and genre of music you prefer adds a little excitement to your social life by bringing you closer to people of similar interests — those who share your same passions and intricacies. Once you get started with guitar lessons and are able to strum a few notes, you can learn and practice full songs with your friends. You may even head out to concerts and musical events together for inspiration.

Have you always had a secret desire to play the drums but figured it wasn’t worth driving your neighbors — not to mention your housemates — completely batty? Learning to play the drums doesn’t have to be a noisy experiment; try an electric drum set or practice pad, and find a local rehearsal space to practice what you’ve learned from your drum lessons. If your child has a strong interest in being the next Travis Barker, you’ll want to consider drum lessons, a practice pad and two sticks first, before going all out with a full drum set that he or she may lose interest in quickly.

Of course, music lessons need not always involve an instrument. Music lessons with a voice instructor can be just as rewarding as having a guitar lessons or drum lessons. Who doesn’t want to wow the crowd by hitting that high note in their favorite song on karaoke night? Even if you don’t feel comfortable performing for an audience, it is nice to carry a tune while singing along with your friends or alone in the car.

Music brings people together and inspires self-confidence. This is just as true for children and teens as it is for adults. If you have always had a hankering to learn a musical instrument or improve your voice, you have little to lose and much to gain. Go for it.