MUSIC LESSONS AND THE BRAIN: THE PLENTIFUL FRIENDSHIP
When children show interest in learning an instrument, parents usually have to weigh the pros and cons of the task. Music lessons can be expensive and time consuming; but the benefits far overshadow the costs. Even adults can reap the rewards of learning music.
The brain receives a big boost from learning music, according to neuropsychologist Brenda Hanna-Pladdy . Music training “creat[es] additional neural connections in childhood that can last a lifetime and thus help compensate for cognitive declines later in life”. This includes an increase in cognitive function, assistance with memory loss, and increased vocabulary later into adult life. Recent studies suggest that “playing a musical instrument throughout life is associated with a lower risk of developing dementia”, the memory loss disorder often centered around older people. According to a study done by Catherine Y. Wan and Gottfriend Schlaug, the association of motor actions, such as finger placements, and sound and visual patterns, creates a strengthening of connections between the auditory and motor regions of the brain. This association strengthens the brain itself, allowing for increased plasticity, the brain’s ability to change. Neuroplasticity is important in aging, as it keeps the brain “young” and in top shape for memories and awareness.
The brain consists of two sides, the left and right hemispheres. The left side of the brain is considered the “language and reasoning” side, whereas the right side is associated with creativity. With this in mind, it’s easy to see how the brain is fully exercised with music learning. The left side of the brain is learning, making associations, and picking up small details. The right side of the brain is immersed in the music and emotions from playing. With the left side of the brain being used constantly in music learning, language skills are more fine-tuned in children that study music than those who do not. This increased ability is helpful from the very beginning. Increased vocabulary and word association can be applied to any aspect of a child’s life, and most importantly, a school setting.
Music in itself offers a large benefit to the brain. Stress has quite a negative impact on the body, but music shows itself as a stress (and pain, anxiety, and overall mood booster) reliever. Research has found that listening to music releases biochemical stress reducers, reduces the heart’s rate (which puts less pressure on the body), lowers blood pressure, and increases serotonin and endorphins in the body, key “happy hormones” .
No matter the age of your child, or how old you are as an adult, learning music is a great way to boost many brain functions. While we never said learning music would be easy, it sure is worth it for the brain.