The practical act of playing music improves an individual student's ability to work in a team -- for example, all members of an orchestra or band must work together and play in time with one another. This increases a student's ability to listen to, work with, and relate to others in a group. Active listening to classical music, with its often complex patterns and combinations, increases a student's ability to recognize patterns and numbers, and can help in the development of critical thinking.
Playing a wind instrument, such as clarinet, flute, trumpet, or saxophone, has physical benefits in terms of lung capacity and breathing technique. Participation in physical activities associated with classical music, such as dancing, playing an instrument, or marching with an instrument, are all beneficial to physical health. Furthermore, exposure to classical music is believed to enhance a student's spatial perception and awareness of their own body in space.
Classical music has been shown to decrease anxiety for people in stressful situations. Furthermore, exposure to and practice of classical music can give students a way to express themselves, leading to greater self-esteem. Students can learn to use music as both an expression of their moods, and as a moderator or enhancer of how they feel at any given time.