Top 10 Reasons Why Giving Musical Instruments Makes Most 'Cents' for Holidays

With interest in recreational music making at an all-time high, according to a 2009 Gallup Poll* conducted by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the holidays are the perfect time to share the gift of music by giving a gift of music lessons or instruments. NAMM's "Top 10 Reasons" illustrates just some of the many proven benefits of an untraditional musical gift that keeps on giving beyond the holidays:

10 Reasons for Giving Musical Instruments and Lessons This Holiday Season

Brought to you by NAMM

1. You're never too old to learn how to play music - A common myth, but music can be learned at any age, and studies show that making music is a life-long skill that enriches the lives of children and adults
2. Making music relieves stress - Recreational music making has been scientifically proven to help reduce stress and reverse the body's response to stress at the DNA level. With the holidays as one of the most stressful times of the year, making music or giving a gift for someone special to make music for you, can help reduce stress for an entire family
3. Making music fights off depression - Depression affects about 19 million people in the U.S.**, and with the holiday season as one of the most vulnerable times of the year, music making can make all the difference in keeping spirits uplifted
4. Enrich your holiday experience - and your life! - with music making - Whether gathering around the piano to play holiday tunes or caroling around the neighborhood, or dancing to live music at a holiday party, music making vibrantly brings the entire holiday experience to life
5. Use music to create lasting family traditions - Each family has its own traditions, but music making offers a new way for families to celebrate the festive season together. From playing a favorite tune on the piano or jamming on the drums with a rock n' roll rendition of a classic holiday song, music-making can create unique traditions for generations to share
6. Playing music together promotes bonding - As families and friends come together during the holiday season, playing music offers an exciting way for everyone to join in on the fun, creating a sense of togetherness
7. High play value of musical instruments - The average cost that parents will spend on giving gifts to their kids is $200, with many kids tossing those gifts aside in a matter of months and moving on to the next fad. But with the gift of musical instruments, parents can give their kids a priceless pastime that will last for many years or a passion for music to last a lifetime
8. Cost comparison/savings over time - On average, Americans are expected to spend $638 on holiday shopping this year, according to a 2009 National Retail Federation Report. When compared to the average price of music lessons and pre-owned instruments, the cost of music making is typically less in comparison
9. Biggest regret most people have - According to a 2009 Gallup Survey, 85 percent of Americans who do not play a musical instrument say they wish they had learned to play--the holidays are a perfect time to make that wish come true. For example, Rob Thomas, acclaimed recording artist and songwriter, regrets not taking piano lessons
10. Unleash your inner rock star (or your child's inner rocker!) - Take virtual music making with video games to the next level and let yourself or your kids develop their talent with a real musical instrument, just like their favorite bands and artists

For more reasons and to learn about the benefits of music making, or to find music lessons providers or music stores near you, visit www.wannaplaymusic.com.

The favorite holiday pastime of many celebrities involves making music. Did you know:

• Reese Witherspoon loves to spend the holidays singing Christmas carols
• Faith Hill's favorite carol to sing around the holidays is "Little Drummer Boy"
• Harry Connick Jr. plays the season favorites for his family and friends

*2009 Public Attitudes Toward Music study, conducted on behalf of NAMM (the National Association of Music Merchants)

**APA Survey Raises Concern About Parent Perceptions of Children's Stress (11/3/09)