Advantage of Playing a Musical Instrument

Most people have heard of some of the advantages to playing a musical instrument. But did you know it is one of the few activities that works the entire brain? Recently, scientists have studied the brain using FMRI and PET scans and observed the brain lighting up when listening to music. Once they gave the person an instrument to play, the brain went into overdrive.  The main areas were in the visual, motor, and auditory cortex, however almost every area of the brain was active.

Areas Improved by Playing:

• Fine motor skills-which are affected on both sides of the brain
• Mathematical and creative areas of the brain
• The size of the corpus callosum
• Volume of transmissions in the corpus callosum (which helps with creative problem solving)
• Higher brain executive functions which control planning, strategizing, and attention to detail
• Emotional and mental qualities
• Enhanced memory functions
• Abstract reasoning skills
• Eye-hand coordination
• Verbal IQ skills
• Study habits
• Self-esteem-especially in people with dyslexia because of the increased ability to focus
• The ability to focus for longer periods
• Ability to give and receive constructive criticism
• Working with other people in groups
• Attentiveness

Areas improved at the school level as a result of playing a musical instrument are:

• Higher scores on spelling tests
• Better attendance rates because students look forward to the music programs
• Students score higher on standardized tests
• Students learn a lot about the rewards of hard work since they have to work hard to play well

Scientists have also compared studying music to other art forms. When they did, it was discovered that learning a musical instrument was unique in its benefits.  If you are interested in more reading with proven statistical information, Sharon Bryant wrote a great article on this. She has sited numerous studies and have shown how school children have benefited academically through their music programs.

Please contact me if you would like to learn to play the guitar, bass, or ukulele.