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Case
Logan Case

Professor Strehle

English 1201.509

12 March 2020

What effect does playing a musical instrument have on the human brain?

Music is a big part of many people’s lives. Whether it’s playing an instrument or just

listening to music, many people enjoy it. It often makes people feel a certain way or puts them

in a certain mood. Playing an instrument takes more skill but often leads to more satisfaction

after compared to listening to music. What happens in someone’s brain while playing a musical

instrument? How does it affect the brain? How does it affect performance in academics and

sports? Is it good for the brain or does it simply not benefit the brain at all?

In recent years, many schools have been cutting music programs for a number of

different reasons. It could be because schools are receiving less funding for extra programs or

because schools don’t see the need for a music program. Although these programs may seem

insignificant, they can actually have a huge effect on a student’s education. Scientists have

learned that playing a musical instrument can help to relieve stress, boost creativity, and help

students perform better academically[CITATION Aus20 \l 1033 ]. Many schools are starting to

realize that cutting music programs can have a larger effect than they originally thought.

Musical talent has also been on the decline. Many people in the music industry have no

knowledge of music theory and this causes similar sounding music to be produced across the

board (Henschen). In the past, students were required to learn an instrument. Many presidents

were musicians, and this could be the reason for their intelligence (National Education for
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Music Education). Playing an instrument could make life more enjoyable for someone with

mental abilities. Music can be a way for the mentally ill to communicate their feelings and

connect with others (PercussionPlay).

Playing a musical instrument offers many benefits to children. Playing an instrument

engages the visual, auditory, and emotional parts of the brain. This makes for a complete brain

workout and it is healthy for children’s brains to be worked in this unique way[ CITATION Sap17

\l 1033 ]. Playing an instrument engages both the right and left sides of the brain and every

major part of the nervous system. It affects the human body in many unique ways.[ CITATION

Sap17 \l 1033 ]. Studies show that students who play an instrument are more advanced in

reading, math, and verbal abilities. These students are more likely not only to finish school but

also to perform at a higher-grade level[ CITATION Bia17 \l 1033 ][ CITATION Tuc16 \l 1033 ].

Studies have shown that people who play an instrument have improved fine motor skills

compared to people who aren’t musicians[ CITATION Tuc16 \l 1033 ]. There also seems to be a

link between music and sports. Not only are both activities often physical but they both require

rhythm and have similar effects on the brain[ CITATION Bia17 \l 1033 ]. Playing an instrument is

also healthy for older people as well. Studies have shown that musically trained people age

sixty or older are shown to have improved memory, verbal fluency, and an improved process of

information. Musical training also offers immediate effects such as relieving stress, anxiety, and

depression[ CITATION Sap17 \l 1033 ]. It can also lower blood pressure and make people

happier because it provides a sense of accomplishment. Overall, playing an instrument

provides benefits for all ages and is healthy for the brain.
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A common misconception surrounding music is that listening to music provides the

same benefits as playing a musical instrument. Many people believe in “The Mozart Effect”

theory that listening to classical music improves the brain. Although listening is good for the

brain, studies suggest that people who actually play the instrument experience the greatest

benefits[ CITATION Sap17 \l 1033 ]. Playing a musical instrument provides great immediate and

long-term benefits for all ages. It provides an all-around brain workout that is unique and fun.

Playing a musical instrument is an interesting activity that requires work from both sides of the

brain which strengthens the brain in many different ways.

Bibliography

Australian Government. Learning Potential. 12 March 2020. 13 March 2020.

<https://www.learningpotential.gov.au/musical-benefits>.

Bianco, V., et al. "Exercise-related cognitive effects on sensory-motor control in athletes and

drummers compared to non-athletes and other musicians." Neuroscience (2017): 39-47.

Guitar Center. Benefits of Learning to Play a Musical Instrument. 30 August 2019. 13 March

2020. <https://www.guitarcenter.com/riffs/news/guitars/benefits-of-learning-to-play-a-

musical-instrument?

source=4WWRWXGG&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi_OMltT65wIVjeNkCh2cjgnMEAMYASAAEgIB

VfD_BwE.>.

Henschen, Jon. The Tragic Decline of Music Literacy (and Quality). 16 August 2018. 17 March

2020. <https://www.intellectualtakeout.org/article/tragic-decline-music-literacy-and-

quality>.
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National Education for Music Education. The Most Musical United States Presidents. 13

February 2015. 17 March 2020. <https://nafme.org/the-most-musical-united-states-

presidents/>.

PercussionPlay. Sounds and the Spectrum: The Benefits of Music for Autistic Children. n.d. 29

March 2020. <https://www.percussionplay.com/sounds-and-the-spectrum/>.

Sapega, Sally. "Playing an Instrument: Better for Your Brain than Just Listening." 30 January

2017. Penn Medicine News. 13 March 2020.

<https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-blog/2017/january/playing-an-

instrument-better-for-your-brain-than-just-listening>.

Tucker, Mathew A., Nam Nquyen and Robert Stickgold. ". Experience Playing a Musical

Instrument and Overnight Sleep Enhance Performance on a Sequential Typing Task."

Plos ONE 11.7 (2016): 1-10.