Learn music and learn everything better

Let’s reach into the news pile and check out something that ought to make anyone who plays an instrument feel just a bit smarter.

I just ran across an article entitled How music training boosts learning and wanted to share it. Findings like this, while possibly a bit self-congratulating, ought to remind us (and those we ask to support the arts and arts education) of the far-reaching value of music training. To quote the article:

“The brain is unable to process all of the available sensory information from second to second, and thus must selectively enhance what is relevant,” Nature quoted Kraus as saying.

Playing an instrument primes the brain to choose what is relevant in a complex process that may involve reading or remembering a score, timing issues and coordination with other musicians.

And that’s only a teaser.

Just some food for thought to make your day. Now, pull out that axe and practice, encourage your kids and/or spouse to practice, or volunteer with a youth music group. Better yet, do all three! After all, it’s up to all of us to do all we can to make the world just a little smarter…