How Playing An Instrument Might Actually Make You Smarter

[Scuba]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/05/playing-instrument-smarter-teded_n_5648621.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000043&ir=Science

It lights up your brain like fireworks on the Fourth of July, spurring on complicated processes and making connections like crazy. Your synapses fire. Your neurons are in hyperdrive. This is your brain on music.

We're still learning more about how our brains work, but thanks to neuroimaging technology we do know that playing music requires some pretty unique mental acrobatics. Many things we do are associated with activity in singular part of the brain. Playing an instrument, in contrast, engages almost every part of the brain simultaneously, according to a recent Ted-Ed lesson from educator Anita Collins. The parts each process different information, relating and interrelating it with incredible speed.

And all that violin and oboe practice adds up, meaning that as you get better at playing tricky concertos, your brain gets better at processing all the information that made it possible. That newfound strength can then be applied to other, non-musical activities.

We're not saying that you should give up your SAT flashcards for a quick tutorial on maracas, but if that's just one way that playing music benefits your brain, it sounds like musicians might be on the right track. Watch the lesson above for more

[hobbit709]

1. That's scary if you think about Ted Nugent.

[Scuba]

2. I'm very good at not thinking about Ted Nugent!

[riqster]

4. Naaah, you can subtract for the likely untreated cases of clap.

Rots the brain.

[calikid]

5. Ted Nugent is NOT a musician

He is a pants spoiling draft dodger though.

[Orrex]

9. Just think of how dumb he *might* have been

[riqster]

3. Must not have worked in my case.

But it has made me a lot happier, if not brighter!



Didn't help my looks, either.

[Scuba]

8. Nice axe!

[riqster]

10. Yes but it too proves my brain-challenged status.

It weighs more than some small countries, and I carry it around on stage...

[surrealAmerican]

11. That just means you get more exercise when you're playing.

You're so smart you can multitask.

[riqster]

12. I like it, I like it.

That is some grade-A fertilizer there!

[BillZBubb]

6. More proof is needed before claiming playing music makes you smarter.

No doubt your brain gets a workout, but does that really translate into higher IQ?

Still, learning to play an instrument does have some undisputed advantages. Becoming proficient requires commitment and self discipline. There is also a need to memorize a lot of information. And, motor skills get a real workout developing coordination and precision. Plus, you can make music! All in all that's a pretty good list even if it doesn't boost your IQ.

[riqster]

7. Point. I worked harder at Bass than I ever did on my schoolwork.

[redqueen]

13. They should look at marching band too...

Playing an instrument while marching around the field sure doesn't look easy.