Many people cannot imagine their daily routine without music. They listen to it when cooking breakfast, on the way to work, or arranging a romantic dinner. It can be different in each case, but one thing will be common. Music helps create a special atmosphere and tune you into the right mood. And when you move to the next level and start learning to play the piano or any other musical instrument, you benefit your brain development. It is not just a suggestion but a scientifically proven fact. Music becomes a magic wand when it comes to the development of the human brain. Even students who have attended music classes show changes in their brain function. Thus, they improve their listening and information processing skills, which helps them do better. They don’t need essay writing help and can easily cope with numerous assignments. However, it doesn’t mean that all students should take music lessons, turning a blind eye to their real preferences. But if you decide to devote your free time to music, you can get the following benefits.
It boosts memory
When a person starts listening to music or learning to play musical instruments, their memory capacity increases. The research has shown that if you constantly exercise and learn to play the piano (or any other instrument with scores), you will notice over time that your brain works better. Besides, both learning and listening boost cognitive thinking and intensify the brain’s lobes that control motor skills. It happens thanks to certain chemical compounds that appear in your brain during this type of activity. Such a stimulating effect increases your mental functioning, improving its general performance. People who play or constantly rehearse in a band can boast of increased oxytocin levels in their brains. And, interestingly, this hormone is responsible for building strong and trust-based connections between people.
It activates the brain’s reward chains
Listening to soothing and pleasing music activates the brain’s reward chains in the same way as certain biologically significant stimulants. The reward chain is formed by different brain areas that belong to the limbic system, which is responsible for emotional processes. In these areas, the dopamine hormone triggers some chemical processes involved in forming feelings of pleasure.
You can experience the same effect when you eat chocolate or junk food, make love or feel sympathy. Thus, nature ensures that you will actively strive to meet these basic needs, and humankind will survive. However, there are other artificial stimulants such as drugs and gambling. These stimulants can be addictive based on the amount of pleasure they produce. So, it is better to communicate with loved ones and listen to music you like than choose the wrong path.
It reduces stress levels
Numerous studies have proved that calm music with a low pitch and without words reduces stress and anxiety in the body. What kind of music is good for the brain? Some meditation music compositions have been shown to reduce blood cortisol (stress hormone) significantly. Besides, if you have insomnia, you can try to listen to music instead of taking sleeping pills. In general, classical or new age music can help reduce tiredness and sadness. The studies have shown that listening to compositions like “Speed of Balance” can improve mental and emotional balance and switch to positive emotions much faster. So, if you feel exhausted and cannot force yourself to concentrate, it is worth listening to this type of music to reduce tension, fatigue, and sadness.
It stimulates cognitive function
If you want to increase your brain activity, boost memory and concentration, turn on Vivaldi’s Spring Concert from The Four Seasons. According to studies, this concert largely activates the brain areas that are responsible for emotional processes. This phenomenon may relate to the fact that this concert is the most famous and recognizable one since it is often used in the advertising industry.
It develops personality
Your musical preferences depend on your personality. The study was conducted among adolescents and gave interesting, albeit rather ambiguous results. People who prefer heavy music are more likely to be independent or conformist, may have low self-esteem and self-doubt.
People who prefer light music try to do the right thing and control their emotions. They face difficulty finding a balance between independence and dependence on their peers. Teens with diverse or varied tastes have fewer age-related problems.
Conditions for brain development
Undoubtedly, learning and listening to music improves brain functionality, its structure, and neural connections. Most musicians who are constantly occupied with playing musical instruments are good at processing sound information, and they have more developed logical skills, sensing, and motor skills. However, capabilities, motivation levels, and interest of individuals in learning music may vary, and these conditions will affect the development of their brains. If you are looking for a new hobby but don’t know what you would like to do, try your hand at playing music. It doesn’t matter how old you are because it is never too late to start. Besides, adults need brain training and development not less than kids, so it is high time to bring positive changes into your life.
