I ran across this news item and wanted to share it with the greater PTM family. Some of us “more experienced” musicians may suffer from tinnitus, or a constant ringing in the ears. If this is you (or someone you know) there may be a fairly inexpensive way to combat it.
Researchers have determined that playing several hours a day of music that has been specially-adapted to remove the frequency of the ringing eventually leads to the tinnitus sufferer being better able to “tune out” that distracting and frustrating noise. This BBC news article gives more details, but here are a couple of particularly exciting tidbits:
Participants listened to the music for an average of 12 hours a week and by the end of the study, those who had been given the tailored music reported a significant drop in the level of the ringing they heard compared with those listening to the dummy version.
“The notched music approach can be considered as enjoyable, low cost, and presumably causal treatment that is capable of specifically reducing tinnitus loudness. It could significantly complement widely-used and rather indirect psychological treatment strategies.”
This treatment isn’t a silver bullet, but it’s a relatively inexpensive helper treatment that has already achieved significant results. If you or someone you love has tinnitus, don’t let it stop the music; use the music to fight back. Keep that music coming!
All the best,
Mark
For more information, please also see this Daily Mail article.
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Everyone knows that listening to loud music can damage your hearing, and much has been made in recent years of the potential harm that can come from playing music (in bands, orchestras, etc.) too loudly. But did you know that being a musician can be good for your hearing?
According to numerous studies – as published in this article – learning to play an instrument well helps develop a person’s ability to hear better. Specifically, while it doesn’t change the body’s mechanical ability to hear, it helps the brain distinguish between the numerous, ever-present sounds to miss less and really hear more. These findings apply whether the subject’s ability to hear is excellent or greatly impaired.
If you needed another reason to take up an instrument or continue to learn and grow with one, look no further. Playing music keeps you mentally sharp and, in the process, helps you hear more of life.
What are you waiting for? I’m off to practice. 
Keep playing,
Mark
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Those of us who have begun studying a new instrument as an adult realize just how challenging it can be. The greater the challenges, though, the greater the rewards!
This article from our friends at The Violin Case highlights some of the health (“good for you”) benefits of playing music…and some of the just-plain-fun aspects, too. While the article speaks primarily of fine stringed instruments, the benefits apply regardless of your choice of axe.
If you’ve been wondering if you’re too old to learn a new instrument – perhaps one you’ve longed to play since you were a child – wonder no longer! You are never too old to learn if the desire is there. The fact that it’s good for you is just icing on the cake.
All the best to you in your musical journey,
Mark
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Tags: adult, benefits, brain, health, instrument, Learning, music, new, social
Learning, Music and Health | Mark September 15, 2009 | 
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Something we all knew intuitively now has scientific backing (score another one for scientists!). It turns out that while loud music can make you deaf as a post, it also stimulates your brain. Stay with me here…
According to researchers at Manchester University across the pond, loud music causes a release of hormones that make us feel good. This explains why, after a no-holds-barred practice session, you feel so much better than you did beforehand. Between the joy of playing and the joy of listening, you’re good. Who needs a “runner’s high”? 
This article contains many assertions that challenge conventional wisdom, and as with all things research-related, future studies may refute many of these findings. But as Part-Time Musicians (PTMs), we recognize the truth in the ability of music to lift our spirits, to refocus us upon the good in life rather than the bad.
NOTE: Long-term exposure to loud music causes hearing damage. Protect your ears; you only get one set!
One quibble with the article:
“When these desires are satisfied, the brain is stimulated into releasing feelgood (sic) hormones that make us calm, happy and responsive. So to trigger a dose of happy hormones on a Monday morning, you should, in theory, choose Black Sabbath over chamber music.”
While the research seems sound, the Mail’s author seems a bit ignorant of the “rock stars” that exist in classical music. Black Sabbath is all well and good, but don’t discount the brain-stimulating power of cranking up some Tchaik.
Keep playing,
Mark
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This article by Dr. Maoshing Ni was forwarded to me by Chicago fiddler Chris Marshall (thanks, Chris!). While it mentions many things you can do to maintain or improve your brain functions, the excerpt below is sure to catch your eye as it did Chris’s and mine.
“Many people marvel that Asian children seem so intelligent. It could be because they use their fingers more frequently. They eat with chopsticks and at one time, they used to compute with an abacus in school. In fact, some studies have been done with children who use an abacus daily, and findings show that engaging the fingers stimulates nerve endings that go directly to the brain, increasing circulation. Take advantage of this by practicing motor activities that use your fingertips, like crocheting, knitting, and other arts and crafts where you are manipulating small parts. Try playing the piano or a stringed instrument.”
Somewhat depressingly, Dr. Mao indicates that the human brain starts to decline at a mere 30 years of age. The good news? There are ways to stay sharp, and playing music is one of them…so play on!
All the best,
Mark
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