The Healing Power of Music: How Learning an Instrument Supports Brain Health at Any Age
The human brain is remarkably adaptable, capable of rewiring and forming new connections throughout life. This ability, known as neuroplasticity, plays a crucial role in recovery from neurological conditions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). One powerful way to enhance neuroplasticity and promote overall brain health is through learning a musical instrument. Scientific research has shown that playing an instrument not only enriches cognitive function but also fosters emotional well-being and physical coordination, making it a valuable tool for people of all ages, including those recovering from neurological damage.
Music and Neuroplasticity: A Path to Healing
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning or injury. Playing a musical instrument engages multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, including those responsible for movement, hearing, memory, and emotion (Wan & Schlaug, 2010). This multimodal activation is particularly beneficial for individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injuries, as it can help stimulate dormant neural pathways and create alternative routes for brain function.
Enhancing Cognitive Function
Studies have consistently shown that playing an instrument enhances cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. Musical training has been linked to increased gray matter volume in the brain, particularly in areas associated with executive function and sensory processing (Gaser & Schlaug, 2003). Furthermore, research suggests that musical practice can slow cognitive decline in aging populations and improve outcomes in individuals with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (Hanna-Pladdy & Mackay, 2011).
For individuals recovering from TBI, engaging in structured musical activities can improve working memory and executive function. One study found that learning to play the piano improved cognitive flexibility and processing speed in individuals recovering from brain injuries (Särkämö et al., 2014).
Restoring Motor Skills and Coordination
Music therapy has been widely used to rehabilitate motor function in stroke survivors and individuals with movement disorders. Playing an instrument requires fine motor coordination and precise timing, engaging motor regions of the brain, including the primary motor cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. Rhythmic training has been shown to improve gait and hand dexterity in stroke patients and those with Parkinson’s disease (Thaut et al., 2007).
Drumming and keyboard exercises, in particular, have been effective in improving motor control. A study by Rodriguez-Fornells et al. (2012) found that patients recovering from strokes who engaged in instrumental training exhibited significant improvements in hand function compared to those who underwent traditional rehabilitation alone.
Emotional and Psychological Benefits
Beyond its cognitive and motor benefits, learning an instrument has profound effects on emotional well-being. Music has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by regulating levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin (Koelsch, 2010). Engaging with music also activates the brain’s reward system, which can provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment, particularly for individuals recovering from neurological trauma.
For people dealing with TBI, emotional and social challenges can be significant. Music provides a means of self-expression and can serve as a powerful tool for emotional processing and connection. Studies have demonstrated that participating in music-based therapy leads to improved mood, reduced feelings of isolation, and enhanced quality of life in brain injury patients (Magee, 2019).
Music Training at Any Age: It’s Never Too Late to Start
While musical training is often associated with childhood, the brain remains plastic throughout life, making it possible to reap the benefits of learning an instrument at any age. Research shows that adults who take up an instrument experience cognitive improvements, including enhanced memory and attention (Bugos et al., 2007).
Moreover, older adults who engage in musical activities have a lower risk of developing dementia and show greater resilience to age-related cognitive decline (Balbag et al., 2014). Even short-term musical training can lead to measurable benefits, making it an accessible and effective tool for lifelong brain health.
The Takeaway
The act of learning a musical instrument is more than just an artistic pursuit—it is a scientifically supported method of enhancing brain health, fostering neuroplasticity, and aiding in the recovery of neurological function. Whether young or old, recovering from injury, or simply looking to strengthen cognitive abilities, playing an instrument provides a unique and enjoyable path toward improved mental and physical well-being.
References
- Balbag, M. A., Pedersen, N. L., & Gatz, M. (2014). Playing a musical instrument as a protective factor against dementia and cognitive impairment. *Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 62*(4), 686-688.
- Bugos, J. A., Perlstein, W. M., McCrae, C. S., Brophy, T. S., & Bedenbaugh, P. H. (2007). Individualized piano instruction enhances executive functioning and working memory in older adults. *Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition, 14*(1), 19-28.
- Gaser, C., & Schlaug, G. (2003). Brain structures differ between musicians and non-musicians. *The Journal of Neuroscience, 23*(27), 9240-9245.
- Hanna-Pladdy, B., & Mackay, A. (2011). The relation between instrumental musical activity and cognitive aging. *Neuropsychology, 25*(3), 378-386.
- Koelsch, S. (2010). Towards a neural basis of music-evoked emotions. *Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 14*(3), 131-137.
- Magee, W. L. (2019). Music therapy with patients in disorders of consciousness and neuro-disability settings. *Frontiers in Psychology, 10*, 1257.
- Rodriguez-Fornells, A., Rojo, N., Amengual, J. L., Ripollés, P., Altenmüller, E., & Münte, T. F. (2012). The involvement of audio-motor coupling in the music-supported therapy applied to stroke patients. *Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1252*(1), 282-293.
- Särkämö, T., Tervaniemi, M., Laitinen, S., Numminen, A., Kurki, M., Rantanen, P., & Peretz, I. (2014). Cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of regular musical activities in early dementia: Randomized controlled study. *Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 6*, 207.
- Thaut, M. H., McIntosh, G. C., & Hoemberg, V. (2014). Neurobiological foundations of neurologic music therapy: Rhythmic entrainment and the motor system. *Frontiers in Psychology, 5*, 1185.
- Wan, C. Y., & Schlaug, G. (2010). Music making as a tool for promoting brain plasticity across the life span. *The Neuroscientist, 16*(5), 566-577.
