How Playing an Instrument Benefits Your Brain

I was fascinated when I first saw this TED-Ed talk by Anita Collins.  We have all heard about the benefits of music education, but this video shows how playing an instrument benefits your brain.  So do yourself a favor and watch the video, read my thoughts about it, and then I would love to read your comments about the video in the comments section below.

 

 

How playing an instrument benefits your brain

First of all, I want to say I agree with even the title of the video.  It’s attention grabbing isn’t it?  Let’s say you know nothing about music and don’t really understand how it can be beneficial to you or your child.  When you see this title, it makes you want to click it and learn more.  If I see anything telling me it will benefit my brain, I definitely want to find out more about it.

 

Every time musicians pick up their instruments, there are fireworks going off inside of their brains

This is one of my favorite quotes ever now.  I always knew there was something different about me and now I know why (ha).  But in all seriousness, it is so amazing that just listening to music can make our brains make fireworks.  Music really does help us to use both sides of our brain and so much is going on in our noggins at the same time.  If you’re wanting to learn an instrument, check out what The Music Stand offers.

 

Playing music is the brains equivalent of a full body workout

My first thought when hearing this was “well at least my brain is getting a workout” since my body definitely doesn’t at times.  If music is working out every part of our brains, then why not learn it? Learning an instrument helps develop deep thinking skills in reading and math.  Looking back at my years in school, math was always my strongest subject.  Yes, math could have just been my strongest subject just because, but it also makes me wonder if it has something to do with me being a musician.   If you want to learn how you can integrate music with reading, math, and other subjects, click here.

 

Musicians often have higher levels of executive function

This particular quote made me laugh out loud.  To say I am a list maker, organized, task oriented, and a scheduler is an understatement.  I don’t find it coincidental that music played a part in making me the person I am. Since beginning piano at the age of 6, I have never stopped learning music and have grown more and more into an organized type of person.

 

 

What do you think of this video?  Can you relate to it as a musician or do you notice your child showing some of the benefits of learning an instrument?  If you’ve been wanting to learn to play piano, check out my online piano lessons.

 

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