Spoiler alert: positively. Let's explore this in more detail.
Music profoundly impacts the human brain. On a quantum level, everything around us — including ourselves — consists of vibrations. Music is an orderly form of vibration, which interacts harmoniously with the vibrations of the human body.
Physicist Albert Einstein loved playing the violin and often remarked that his musical practice helped ideas flow, especially when playing Mozart. While not all musicians become scientific geniuses, there is substantial scientific evidence showing that music influences the brain.
Neuroscientists have conducted numerous studies, using brain imaging technology to observe people's brains while they listen to or play music. These studies reveal that music activates multiple brain areas, lighting up in bright flashes on scans. From these observations, scientists have drawn significant conclusions about the effects of music on brain development and function.
Mozart is not a panacea
If you love rock’n’roll, hip-hop, or ethno music, your brain reaps the same benefits previously attributed to classical masterpieces only. Listening to your favorite tunes releases natural antidepressants such as serotonin and dopamine. Additionally, music that holds special meaning (like the song you danced to at your prom) strengthens neural connections.
There are fireworks in a musician's brain
For performers, playing a musical instrument provides a robust workout for the brain. Researchers have observed how various brain areas "light up" to process complex and rapid algorithms involving mental and motor functions, logic, intuition, and even metabolism. This comprehensive engagement makes musicians smarter and healthier.
Performing music involves all parts of the brain. The right hemisphere, responsible for creative thinking, works in harmony with the left hemisphere's linguistic and mathematical precision. This combination creates a "superhero" of sorts, where the strength lies in the melody's grace and beauty, and the weapon is the musical instrument.
Music is fitness for the brain
Regular musical practice enhances the brain's capabilities and applies these improvements to other areas of life. It also helps delay or prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's. Importantly, you don't need a conservatory degree to start making music.
You can begin with simple activities like humming your favorite tunes, snapping your fingers to the beat, or tapping rhythms, e.g. on a table or with your feet. These actions activate neural connections and serve as the first steps toward more substantial musical training.
The key aspect is to embrace the music within you
Starting with simple instruments and gradually moving to more complex ones is an excellent approach for beginners. Intuitive instruments like a tank drum, kalimba, or handpan allow you to create tunes immediately, even without prior musical knowledge or skills.
For over 10 years, Kosmosky has been helping people connect with their inner voices through music. We create instruments that are playable with the first touch, offering a positive experience that encourages passion for music and effortless tune creation.
The following cycle is formed:
— Playing music becomes an enjoyable training for mental and creative abilities → it leads to harmony.
— Harmony fosters development → brain capabilities are further enhanced.
This cycle illustrates how engaging with music can positively influence your brain's development and overall well-being.