Playing Music Physically Alters Brain Structure.

Written by Erica Soekardono

Although it may be a well known fact that music can impact someone’s brain, listening to music regularly can actually physically alter the structure of a person’s brain. A 2018 study has shown that the human brain actually adapts itself to challenging environments, which are often able to present themselves when new and unfamiliar music is being played. The same study explains that neural activities in the brain become synchronized when listening to music, which can become permanent changes to the brain after several years. Neuroscience News states that music also allows the central nervous system to create stable, meaningful patterns within itself. These patterns are later able to be used later when learning or communicating with others. Of course listening to music will have these effects, but playing an instrument enhances the impacts of music even more. Musicians tend to have more symmetrical brains and faster processing systems. Overall, music can alter the structure and speed of a person’s brain for the better. 

Reybrouck, Mark, et al. “Music and Brain Plasticity: How Sounds Trigger Neurogenerative Adaptations.” IntechOpen, IntechOpen, 6 June 2018, www.intechopen.com/books/neuroplasticity-insights-of-neural-reorganization/music-and-brain-plasticity-how-sounds-trigger-neurogenerative-adaptations.

FeaturedPsychology·September 10, 2020·5 min read, and 2020·5 min read FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·September 10. “Neuroscience of Music – How Music Enhances Learning Through Neuroplasticity.” Neuroscience News, 31 Mar. 2015, neurosciencenews.com/neuroscience-music-enchances-learning-neuroplasticity/.

Alban, Patrick. “How Music Affects the Brain.” Be Brain Fit, 2020, bebrainfit.com/music-brain/.