“Setting my mind on a musical instrument was like falling in love. All the world seemed bright and changed.” ~ William Christopher Handy
Learning an instrument is not only a great way to spend your free time, but it has also been shown to increase brain power. That’s accurate; research suggests that early exposure to learn and play enhances intellectual growth.
Children that receive musical lessons demonstrate considerable improvement in test scores for memory, spatial-temporal ability, and language development. These abilities are a part of “general intelligence” and are crucial for academic achievement.
Learning an instrument such as the guitar, piano, saxophone, trumpet, etc. engages many different parts of the brain, including those associated with memory, language, and spatial awareness. Some research suggests that “brain workout” like this can boost cognitive abilities and even IQ.
Did you know that those who regularly engage in musical activity have more brain plasticity (the brain’s capacity for change)? Three months of music education dramatically boosted brain plasticity in a group of adult beginners, according to a study published in the journal PLOS ONE. Improved memory and the ability to solve problems are only two of the cognitive benefits that might result from a boost in brain plasticity. Playing an instrument isn’t just a great way to spend your free time; it can actually help you think more clearly and solve problems more quickly.
HERE ARE 10 WAYS IN WHICH MUSICAL INSTRUMENT PLAYING MAY INCREASE YOUR BRAIN POWER::
1. IMPROVES COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT:
Playing an instrument improves one’s cognitive development in a number of ways. These include the ability to focus, remember information, and solve problems. Learning and practising these abilities is crucial for kids’ long-term mental health.
2. INCREASES SPATIAL-TEMPORAL SKILLS:
Instrument playing necessitates spatial-temporal abilities, or the capacity to mentally move and reposition objects in three-dimensional space. These abilities are useful not only in the scientific and mathematical realms, but also in everyday life.
3. ENHANCES LANGUAGE SKILLS:
It has been demonstrated to improve a wide range of linguistic abilities, from reading comprehension to public speaking. This is due to the fact that both musical and linguistic processes utilise identical regions of the brain.
4. INCREASES CREATIVITY:
It fuels imagination because of the freedom to experiment and express oneself that playing provides and creativity flourishes. This has the potential to inspire more original thought in other facets of life as well.
5. ENHANCES MEMORY:
It requires you to memorise music scores and be able to call them up fast. Because of this, people’s ability to remember information is boosted.
6. IMPROVES MULTITASKING ABILITIES:
In order to play numerous notes simultaneously and coordinate hand movements, multitasking skills are essential. This can help one become more efficient at multitasking in general.
7. INCREASES PATIENCE:
Improves patience because mastering a new game requires time and effort, it can be a good way to practise this virtue in other aspects of life as well.
8. IMPROVES HAND-EYE COORDINATION:
Hand-eye coordination is enhanced because of the need to coordinate physical actions with visual cues.
9. ENHANCES EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE:
Brings about an increase in emotional intelligence by facilitating the release of pent-up feelings through musical expression, this method may increase both EQ and empathy.
10. BOOSTS SELF-ESTEEM:
It helps you feel good about yourself as learning to play is a great way to improve your sense of accomplishment and pride in yourself. In addition, it has the potential to boost one’s self-esteem and sense of competence.
Clearly, mastering an instrument can have a beneficial effect on brain growth and may even boost IQ. Although musical training is one of many aspects that can affect a person’s intellect, it is vital to keep in mind that intelligence is a complex and multi-faceted quality.
