Purpose: This research paper investigates the benefits of studying music in older citizens. The paper aims to open a broad discussion around passive musical training, instrumental training and how this activity influences the motor function, brain function, perception and emotional experience in older citizens. Design/methodology/approach: This research paper presents and analyzes literature which investigates the impact of music on senior citizens and the general connection between music and the man as a living system. Besides the literature review, the paper presents individual cases of senior citizens learning a musical instrument and their experiences. Findings: Based on the literature review, we can conclude that studying music at an older age is beneficial to one’s physical, cognitive and emotional health. A few benefits of engaging in a musical activity are: stimulating the brain, developing multisensory motor skills and experiencing a healthy emotional reward. Research limitations/implications: The literature review and case presentation serves as a starting point for further field research. Some implications of the benefits of learning a musical instrument could be further researched in older citizens who suffer from various neurological diseases. Practical implications: This research paper argues that studying music is not only an enjoyable experience for the elderly, but rather an activity that could be vital for the mental and physical health of older citizens. Private or group music classes could be regularly offered in retirement homes and senior centers, so the elderly are tempted to engage in musical activities. Originality/value: The benefits of listening to music and learning a musical instrument have been researched extensively over the past decades; however, most of the research available covers the early stages of cognitive and motor development. As a result of that, most people who start learning to play an instrument are of younger age. This paper discusses the benefits of learning a musical instrument at any age, focusing on the elderly age group. The purpose of the research is to present the benefits of studying music and encourage this activity for the specified demographic group.