The benefits of music are even more intense when we are not just the listener, but actually the maker of the music ourselves. A listener who joins in singing a song or dancing to the music will increase the benefit they receive from the song but it is the instrumentalist who reaps the greatest joy.

The harmonica lets the musically challenged begin to enjoy the benefits of music within just a few hours. It is not necessary to be able to read music to begin playing the harmonica - you just need a tune in your head similar to whistling or humming. It only take a few hours to get to know where the notes on your harmonica are and after approximately ten hours of practice everything falls into place and you become a natural. You just sing your music through your harmonica without having to think about whether to draw or blow through the numbered holes. If your preference is folk songs or hymns you will easily be able to work out how to play them on your harmonica. Your music will not raise any complaints from the neighbors - they are more likely to compliment you on your gentle tones when you are playing outdoors.

The harmonica itself is small and compact and the true addict will carry it in his purse or pocket with him wherever he goes, a benefit you cannot enjoy if a piano or trumpet is your chosen instrument. Best of all, it is inexpensive - a fairly good one will cost you between $10 and $20. If someone should steal it, or you lose it, it is not the end of the world, as at this small cost you can simply buy another one. In fact, most players will accumulate several harmonicas in just a short time.

Once you have experienced the joy of hearing yourself play music on your harmonica you will no doubt become addicted. You will be sneaking off by yourself for your harmonica fix at every opportunity as it takes you over, becoming your stimulant or sedative depending on your mood.