Music and the Brain

From the beginning of recorded history, music has been created and enjoyed by people. Even early man carved flutes from bones. Thomas Jefferson was known to play his violin to help him formulate the most effective word choices as he wrote the Declaration of Independence. Albert Einstein, considered one of the most intelligent men who ever lived, also played the violin. He was said to have figured out his most challenging mathematical formulas by playing his violin. Today scientists are discovering that the study of music, playing an instrument, or participating through singing can actually help develop our brains. No wonder Einstein and Jefferson, among many, found music helpful in problem solving.

There was a time in America’s history when music was a centerpiece of family life. There were no televisions, radios, or other forms of electronic entertainment. Social life often involved someone playing the piano or another instrument while guests sang along or listened for enjoyment. Therefore, if parents could afford the opportunity, their children were encouraged to learn how to play an instrument. Taking music lessons did not mean a child was expected to become a professional musician. However, it usually meant the kids learned the daily discipline of practice.

Recent brain research has shown some surprising benefits as a result of formal musical training. Learning to play a musical instrument appears to develop parts of the brain that can even influence academic results. The studies indicate that the earlier a child begins training, the more benefits there are. One such study showed that children who began musical studies before the age of seven had a more developed brain in the region where language production and auditory processing take place. Scientists believe there is mounting evidence to show that early musical training can improve brain function.

A research team from Northwestern University observed that to achieve the positive brain development from musical training, music students had to be active participants. There were differences found between the kids who attended a more passive music appreciation class, and the ones who learned to play instruments. It was the active production of music that rewired the brain. Using electrodes on the students’ heads, scientists were able to see how actively the brain responded when students generated music.

Neuroscientists have suggested that playing an instrument, especially at an early age, can improve how the brain interprets sensory information. Music (singing or playing an instrument) also positively affects memory. Apparently, music activates both the right and left sides of the brain simultaneously and this activity increases efficiency in processing information. In one study, researchers found the areas of the brain that affect language skill and “executive function” were more developed in musically trained students. The executive function is the planning center of your brain, where you figure out what must get done, and how to do it in the time that exists.

A special community music program in a low-income area of Los Angeles showed a higher success rate of students going on to college than students in the area who did not participate in this music education. A team of researchers was asked to offer scientific evidence for this compelling distinction. The study concluded that there were significant improvements in reading scores for the children who attended music classes regularly and were actively engaged for a period of two years, compared to those who did not participate.

Playing a musical instrument engages muscular movement, requires coordination, and employs various senses. This intricate process of making music creates motion and emotional response. According to one scientist’s studies, intense musical training increases not only the volume of the brain, but also improves the connections between the hemispheres of the brain.

Today there is a trend toward instrumental lessons being less of a priority than in decades past. In many cases, families cannot afford private lessons or the time it takes from the family schedule. Fortunately, many schools still provide classes for chorus, orchestra, and band, which help promote this educational opportunity. Families keep busy today with most parents working full-time outside the home. Children are also busy with various extracurricular activities, competing forms of technological entertainment, and year-round sports activities.

Which quotation from the passage best shapes the central idea identified in Question 5?

Question 6 options:

"Albert Einstein, considered one of the most intelligent men who ever lived, also played the violin."

"Playing a musical instrument engages muscular movement, requires coordination, and employs various senses."

"Learning to play a musical instrument appears to develop parts of the brain that can even influence academic results."