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How learning an instrument improves memory and intelligence

For musicians, a good memory is crucial. Simply remembering 20-30 songs complete with lyrics and faultless music is an impressive achievement. Therefore it’s unsurprising that research conducted by Dana and Stanford University concluded that learning a musical instrument enhances memory, language and speech skills, among other abilities. In this blog, we take a look at the link between memory and music…

Many musicians have different techniques for recalling what they need to play.

While some musicians can rely on good old muscle memory and repetitive practice, others have their own tricks of the trade.

On the Last Minute Musicians Facebook page, solo trumpet player and teacher Eric Brookes gave some advice on learning a piece of music.

I learnt in a performance class once that, when trying to learn a piece from memory, it is recommended one takes a nap straight after as this helps the brain commit what you’ve just practiced to memory. I also find I can frequently recall events or stories from years ago much clearer than a lot of my non-musical friends.

Due to the amount of work musicians must put in to become adept at their craft, it is also widely believed that learning an instrument expands working memory capacity. This is particularly beneficial for students taking exams. 

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Playing a musical instrument can raise your IQ

With a combined IQ of almost 500, there’s a reason why Mozart, Beethoven and Bach are all considered geniuses.

All three celebrated composers learned to play their instruments from a young age. Some scientists even believe in the “Mozart effect”, which suggests that playing Mozart to unborn and newborn babies will increase their intelligence.

In 2004, a study was published in the Journal of Psychological Science recommending that intelligence increased after 36 months of music tuition.  

Even those who choose to pick up an instrument at middle age still have the opportunity to increase their IQ and their hearing, self-discipline, attentiveness, and coordination.

Thanks to studying and learning tempo, rhythm and pitch, the process of learning an instrument is even rumoured to help musicians interpret emotions.

Students preparing to play musical instruments

As well as improving memory, playing a musical instrument will also:

  • Helps coordination and precise hand movement – see a woman playing her violin during brain surgery to ensure she kept all her functions.
  • Keep a healthy heart (according to the University of Maryland) allowing more blood to flow through blood vessels
  • Improve stroke recovery, as reported by News Medical

The crossover between music and maths

Learning an instrument and, importantly, learning music theory can improve mathematical intelligence, enhancing both logic and reasoning skills.

This is perhaps best demonstrated in the work of Mozart who, whilst being an excellent pianist, was also remarkably logical in his compositions and virtually all other aspects of his life.

Many mathematicians have studied the work of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, attempting to understand his complex numerical sequences, codes and musical cryptograms.

Johann Sebastian Bach was also a mathematic enthusiast who often used his own name to spell out a series of musical notes, therefore musically signing his own work.

Sources

Do you find that playing an instrument improves your memory? Do you have any tips for remembering difficult pieces? Let us know in the comments below!

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