你有喜歡的樂隊或音樂家嗎？有沒有想過學一門樂器？除了陶冶情操和掌握技能以外，演奏樂器對一個人還有哪些好處？聽 “隨身英語” 節目探討學習樂器的益處。

詞匯：music 音樂

It’s difficult not to admire the talent of a skilled musician. Whether it be a pianist, flautist or cellist, these individuals have shown dedication and passion over a long period of time to reach the highest levels of performance. But they say it’s never too late to learn. So what are the benefits, for both children and adults, in learning a musical instrument?

Learning to play a musical instrument when growing up can improve hearing in adulthood. According to a study by Dr Nina Kraus, Professor of Neurobiology at Northwestern University in Illinois, US, children who played musical instruments were better at recognising different frequencies. This improved hearing skill carried over into later life with adults who had once played an instrument able to discern sounds of different pitches more easily. And it could also have some academic benefits too. A study conducted by the University of British Columbia found that students who engaged in music-related activities during grades 7-12 scored significantly higher in science, English and maths.

And there are not just benefits to children. Whether you choose to play the piano, pick or strum a guitar or learn a drumbeat, you could end up joining a band or orchestra. This in turn could improve your social life, meeting other bandmates who are likeminded in their love of a good tune. Learning an instrument can also give you a sense of achievement. Nailing that perfect chord is one way, but what if you got together with a bunch of friends and entered into a battle of the bands – and won?

So, whether you’re looking to destress playing out some chords, or improve your grades at school, maybe taking up an instrument could help you.

詞匯表

pianist 鋼琴家
flautist 長笛手
cellist 大提琴手
dedication 專注，投入
passion 熱情
frequency 頻率
pitch 音高
pick 彈撥
strum 掃撥
guitar 吉他
drumbeat 鼓點
band 樂隊
orchestra 管弦樂隊
bandmate 樂隊中的隊友
tune 曲子
nail 成功地做
chord 和弦
battle of the bands “樂隊大賽”（指表演選出最優秀樂隊的比賽）

測驗與練習

1.  閱讀課文并回答問題。

1. According to the article, what do musicians have to show to reach the highest levels of performance?

2. According to a study by Dr Nina Kraus, what were children who played music better at recognising?

3. Students who engaged in music-related activities in grades 7-12 scored higher in which subjects, according to a study?

4. How could learning an instrument improve your social life?

5. In what ways could learning an instrument give you a sense of achievement?

2.  選擇意思恰當的單詞或詞組來完成下列句子。

1. He has shown real _______ to his work.

dedication                 strum                          drumbeat                  pick

2. You need to _______ the guitar from top to bottom to make that sound.

frequencies               passion                       pitches                     strum

3. You did well in the test. You really _______ it.

picked                       nailed                          tuned                        frequencies   

4. We’ve decided to create a group and compete in the next _______ of the bands.

war                            battle                          fight                           skirmish

5. She shows exceptional _______ towards her music. She loves it!

drumbeat                   passion                      pick                           tune

答案

1.  閱讀課文并回答問題。

1. According to the article, what do musicians have to show to reach the highest levels of performance?
Musicians have shown dedication and passion to reach the highest levels of performance.

2. According to a study by Dr Nina Kraus, what were children who played music better at recognising?
Children who played musical instruments were better at recognising different frequencies.

3. Students who engaged in music-related activities in grades 7-12 scored higher in which subjects, according to a study?
Students who engaged in music-related activities during grades 7-12 scored significantly higher in science, English and maths.

4. How could learning an instrument improve your social life?
You could end up joining a band or orchestra and meet other bandmates who are likeminded in their love of a good tune.

5. In what ways could learning an instrument give you a sense of achievement?
Learning an instrument can give you a sense of achievement through nailing that perfect chord or getting together with a bunch of friends and entering into a battle of the bands.

2.  選擇意思恰當的單詞或詞組來完成下列句子。

1. He has shown real dedication to his work.

2. You need to strum the guitar from top to bottom to make that sound.

3. You did well in the test. You really nailed it.

4. We’ve decided to create a group and compete in the next battle of the bands.

5. She shows exceptional passion towards her music. She loves it!