Introverts are creative and imaginative, and playing music is an empowering way to share those talents.
When was the last time a song transported you, body and soul? For introverts, I feel this happens often. For me, it was last year as I cruised down a sun-dappled road — and through early middle age.
“More Than a Feeling,” the 1970s hit from Boston, came on the radio. Every nerve in my body lit up with incandescent energy. Every muscle twitched, trying to sync with the drum groove. And I don’t mean a casual, driving-friendly attempt at air-drumming. I mean full-body, wholehearted, pull-the-car-over-and-unleash-the-beast drumming.
It was finally time to honor my inner 11-year-old.
Here’s the backstory: Many (many!) years ago, in elementary school, my classmates and I attended a concert band performance at the local high school. Afterward, we were asked to choose the top three instruments we might like to play in our own sixth-grade band class. For me, it was drums — full stop.
But, according to the band teacher, “Girls don’t drum.” (What can I say? It was the ’80s.)
I was assigned the trumpet instead and played it, begrudgingly and poorly, for three years. Life went on, and my inner drummer curled up for a three-decade-long nap.
It’s Never Too Late to Learn How to Play an Instrument
Back to the “Feeling” in 2022. I knew — really, truly knew — this was my now-or-never moment. It was the kind of call from the universe that mystics and dreamers yearn for. I had to heed it. And I was terrified. Where would I even begin?
Deciding that, at the very least, I should lean in and take it one step at a time, I drove to the nearest Long & McQuade music store, where I practically wept over the drum kits. Not long after, I picked up an inexpensive set and signed up for lessons.
And at the young-at-heart age of 46, I became a drummer.
Here’s why it’s never too late to learn a new instrument — and why it’s a great fit for introverts. You’ll even be in good company with musical introverts like Bob Dylan and Taylor Swift.
4 Reasons Why It’s Never Too Late to Learn an Instrument
1. It’ll light up your brain — and your soul.
First, let’s talk brainpower. Your gray matter loves a good workout, and practicing an instrument is like a mental gym session. Learning chords, melodies, and rhythms fires up your neurons, improving memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. You’re jamming out while getting mentally stronger — all at the same time. Plus, it’s a hobby that’s perfectly suited for introverts.
But it’s not just about the brain benefits. As adults, we finally have the freedom to rock and roll all night! (Or, you know, at least until our reasonable bedtimes.) Unleash your inner rockstar. Whether you’re shredding on a guitar, tickling the ivories, banging the drums, or strumming a banjo, you get to express yourself through music in a whole new way.
2. You’ll “get down” with dopamine, a feel-good hormone.
Life is packed with responsibilities and curveballs, from work and family to personal commitments, and all that pressure can take a toll on our emotional well-being.
Fortunately, playing an instrument offers a therapeutic escape. Research shows it can reduce depression and anxiety while boosting dopamine — the feel-good hormone. For introverts, who are often sensitive to the world and people around us, this time to tune in and unwind is especially valuable.
Your chosen instrument becomes your trusty sidekick, always ready to help you take a break from life’s worries. Whether you’re playing a soothing melody or thrashing out a driving beat, making music is a mindful practice. It allows you to be fully present, creating a moment of peace where you can disconnect from the outside world. Think of it as musical meditation, right at your fingertips.
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3. It’ll enable you to connect with others — and yourself.
While we introverts treasure our alone time, many of us also value meaningful connections with others — and music is a wonderful way to forge those bonds.
Learning an instrument opens doors to a vibrant community of fellow musicians. Whether it’s through lessons, joining a band, or simply hanging out at your local music store, you’ll find yourself surrounded by creative, like-minded people eager to share in the joy of music. You might even inspire a family member to pick up an instrument and jam with you. And when it’s time to perform in front of an audience (gulp!), those fellow musicians will be there to cheer you on.
As an extroverted introvert, I look forward to my weekly lessons with Ryan Van Poederooyen, a talented and generous instructor who truly “gets” me and my learning style. Our sessions aren’t just about music — they’re about life, too.
The chance to learn the how of an instrument from a world-class musician is invaluable. But as an adult learner, I also get to explore the who — discovering what I bring to the drums and how they allow me to express myself in ways I never thought possible.
If in-person lessons aren’t your thing, consider joining an online community, such as Musora. There, you’ll find all kinds of resources for learning guitar, piano, drums, and singing. You can watch tutorials, live exercises, and interviews with your favorite musicians. You can also access sheet music and song play-alongs to get you started — and keep you inspired.
However you approach learning an instrument — with an instructor or on your own — it’s a journey of self-discovery and reinvention. For introverts, it’s an opportunity to nurture creativity and explore parts of ourselves we may have kept quiet for far too long.
4. You’ll embrace creativity, patience, and the “perfectly imperfect.”
Introverts are often brimming with creativity and imagination, possessing rich inner worlds — and learning a musical instrument provides an outlet to express these gifts. Whether you’re composing original pieces or interpreting existing ones in your own unique way, playing an instrument can unlock sides of yourself that have remained unexplored or unexpressed.
However, as introverts, we can sometimes fall into the trap of perfectionism, hesitating to dive into activities where we might not immediately excel. Learning an instrument challenges that mindset by requiring us to embrace imperfection. Mastery takes time, and the journey is filled with mistakes and setbacks. As my drum teacher often reminds me, it’s all about “progress, not perfection.”
Patience can be especially hard to cultivate when you’re starting later in life. It’s tempting to dwell on could-have-beens: “If I’d started playing at eleven, I could have been a pro by now.” Or, “I could have been a rockstar.”
But rather than letting these thoughts weigh you down, use them as motivation to focus on what you can still achieve. If you fall in love with your instrument — and you likely will — it can bring joy for the rest of your life. The years ahead are coming no matter what, so why not begin now? 
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