The Science of Learning Music: How Playing an Instrument Boosts Your Brain 🧠

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The Science Of Learning Music

5 Reasons Learning An Instrument Can Improve Your Cognitive Health

Learning a musical instrument has numerous positive benefits. One of these is the impact it can have on your long term cognitive health. When you play an instrument you are stimulating multiple regions at once which has the effect of enhancing overall cognitive function. At Phillips Music Tuition we teach students off all ages from 7 years old to 75 years old. We can see the benefits it brings all of our students as they progress through their musical journeys with us.

Here are 5 reasons how learning an instrument boosts your brain:

1. Enhances Memory

  • Learning an instrument enhances both short and long terms memory. This is particularly true with verbal memory. When leaning an instrument you have to read music, recall notes/rhythms and improve technique which all strengthens the hippocampus (a part of the brain involves with memory).

  • Learning an instrument can give better auditory memory which is extremely helpful for language learning.

2. Improves Language and Communication Skills

  • Processing sounds improves speech perception and enhances the brains ability to process sounds.

  • It can be easier to learn new languages as learning an instrument improves your ability to detect nuances in tone and rhythm.

3. Boosts Math and Spatial Skills

  • Learning music has many aspects which are closely related to mathematical ability. Reading rhythms, improving timing and processing patterns are all example of this.

  • Studies have shown that children who learn a musical instrument tend to have increased performance on spacial-temporal reasoning tests.

4. Reduces Stress and Enhances Emotional Health

  • Mental health has become an extremely important issue in recent years. Anxiety and depression has become extremely prevalent in children and adults alike. Playing music has been shown to lower cortisol levels which improves mood and reduces anxiety.

  • Music can offer an escape and an outlet for emotions. This can help with regulation and mental well being.

5. Early and Lifelong Brain Benefits

  • Learning an instrument as an adult helps preserve cognitive function and can potentially slow down cognitive decline..

  • Starting your musical journey early has many benefits. Areas such as motor skills, auditory processing and emotional regulation are some examples of this.

If you are looking for a great way to improve the cognitive health of yourself or your child then learning a musical instrument could be a great choice.

Book your piano lessons in our Teaching Studio at Pollard Yard, or at your own home in Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Alderley Edge, Styal, and online now.