The Benefits of Playing Music Help Your Brain More Than Any Other Activity

[TexasTowelie]

Brain training is big business. Companies like BrainHQ, Lumosity, and Cogmed are part of a multimillion-dollar business that is expected to surpass $3 billion by 2020. But does what they offer actually benefit your brain?

Researchers don't believe so. In fact, the University of Illinois determined that there's little or no evidence that these games improve anything more than the specific tasks being trained. Lumosity's maker was even fined $2 million for false claims.

So, if these brain games don't work, then what will keep your brain sharp? The answer? Learning to play a musical instrument.

Why Being a Musician Is Good for Your Brain

Science has shown that musical training can change brain structure and function for the better. It can also improve long-term memory and lead to better brain development for those who start at a young age.

Read more: https://www.inc.com/john-rampton/the-benefits-of-playing-music-help-your-brain-more.html

[katmondoo]

1. Not for me, wierd but music gives me a headache.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

11. I agree! In fact, if it's not melodic at all, it

Literally makes me want to get away or scream. I am so glad rap has evolved so that it is common to mix beat with melody with two singers.

[lark]

2. The things one forgets.

I knew this but had forgotten about it in my "what do I do now that I'm retired" and at the moment partially disabled. Most of my fitness regimen was put on hold due to bad effects from 2 head traumas in 6 weeks. Can't do a lot of things until after I have surgery then heal due to high risk of being paralyzed. However, playing an electronic piano is probably doable now and in the future and would give me brain benefits as well.

Thanks for posting and for the nudge.

[CDerekGo]

3. Wish I could find

At one point could play, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone (all the same 'fingerings' for notes) but somehow managed to lose my antique Alto Saxophone during one of my many moves. I'd love to see if I could 'read' music again. Started with piano lessons in 1st Grade, but that was many, many, many moons ago. Maybe an Electronic Piano? Anyone over age 50 been able to conquer learning to play Piano?

[onlyadream]

6. You probably can still read

I played classical guitar (novice) as a teen but stopped when I went to college (too busy). Twenty five years later I picked my guitar up, dusted it off, got new strings and opened one of my old books and somehow my brain was able to guide my fingers! I swear, it was crazy strange, like automatic. I can’t play the challenging stuff that I was working on when I stopped, but all the “easy classical books” are doable and very enjoyable.

[luvtheGWN]

7. It used to be said that learning to play the piano

becomes exponentially more difficult after the age of 12. But no doubt there are some who have done so. Often, I think it depends on whether or not one has the "ear" for it. For those of us classically trained but also able to play by ear, we never lose the ability.

I'm pretty sure that most successful rock musicians play by ear (most of them can't read a note of music) so it's just a matter of learning the fingering and repetition.

After reading this interesting article, I now know why I can remember so much stuff that happened 50 years ago, but have difficulty recalling what I ate for dinner last night!

[Iggo]

15. Single line music, like saxophone music, is real easy to pick up again.

You remember FACE, and Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge, right?

It comes back real quick.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

4. Three biggies for kids & adults: Music, Mathematics, Language.

Mathematics is the Science of Patterns
Music is the Art of Patterns
Language is Communication by Patterns

The three together when provided to children boosts their intelligence in all areas, including emotional intelligence. Tremendous synergy effects together.

Mathematics is not about calculation. When people say "do the math" what they really mean is "do the simple arithmetic".

It can be said that mathematics and music are languages.

When you look at the biographies of scientists and mathematicians, you often find they have a deep love for music and frequently can play an instrument.

[pdsimdars]

5. Have to get out my ukulele and tune it up and start singing my old songs. Aloha!

[tymorial]

8. Every kid should learn to play an instrument.

[Merlot]

9. Drawing also offers these benefits

Art classes are so important to a child's development but unfortunatly it's the first thing cut in a budget.

[Honeycombe8]

10. I'm not surprised. There is evidence that music can improve a fetus' intelligence and...

other attributes.

Music is special to me. I have no way of knowing if music affects other people the same way, but for me, it fills my soul. When the tune and the lyrics come together for me, it can be life changing for those few minutes. I would think that some music affects most people that way. It is such an integral part of being human that life would almost not be worth living without it.

There's a special connection between humans (and I think some other animals) and music. I don't think you have to be a musician for the connection to be there. You simply have to appreciate it, feel it. Although learning to play an instrument, or singing, can help a person appreciate aspects of music.

Life without music? I can't imagine it. I'm not surprised that now there's evidence that music helps the brain. Didn't we all know this, anyway?

(I think the same thing about dance. Life wouldn't be worth living without a little dancin'.) It's mind boggling that some religions have banned dancing, since dancing and music are integral parts of being human.

[Chalco]

12. During my pregnancy, I played the piano

probably every day. I had read that this was important for brain development.
My kid is a wordsmith, creative, intelligent, a thinker, an artist.

My belly was right in front of the keyboard.

I recommend it highly!

[Laura PourMeADrink]

13. interesting! Have to throw this in too since relative

Is a Alzheimer's researcher in Chicago. Been a couple years ago, but he told us that they were only proof certain of two things are common to those who don't get the disease. They drink at least two cups of coffee a day and they read novels. Something about reading a story that immerses you into someone else's world is good for brain.

Glad to know music helps too.

[northoftheborder]

14. Guess I just need to add another cup of coffee immediately!