Piano Powers Brains

Science shows that learning to play the piano boosts brain growth – especially the Corpus Callosum (CC), the Central Connection between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Improved inter-hemisphere communication translates into greater efficiency of the frontal cortex – the brain’s executive Command and Control Centre. A more connected CC improves memory, learning, decision-making and intelligence. It’s also interesting to note that the CC is the largest white matter structure in the brain, only found in placental mammals – and Einstein had a huge one – discovered when he donated his brain to science. 

Live images of brain function show that music literally lights up the brain. The phenomenon is even more profound when playing, rather than just listening. Learning any musical instrument requires significant coordination of the hands, and brain hemispheres – none more than the piano, which equally engages both hands and all ten digits. Further, learning another language benefits the developing brains of children – creating more flexibility for learning further languages. Music is of course a universal language – arguably the language of the soul!

It is notably harder for adults to learn the piano, than it is for children. Adults especially struggle with hand coordination. However, adults benefit from learning to play, even late in life – from documented reductions in stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and even dementia. 

Everyone benefits, but children find it easier and have the most to gain from learning to play the piano, ideally starting at age 6 or 7. I have taught students from age 5 to 75 – and the key in all cases is to make it fun – motivating and inspiring based on the music we love as individuals – what most lights up our brain!

A final point worth making is that learning to play the piano is also great for kids with special needs. I have taught children with significant learning disabilities – hearing from parents and schools that their performance in mathematics and reading improved enormously after only a few months of lessons. I am also especially fond of an autistic child I’m presently teaching. According to his mum, “My child is no savant, just a child who has autism and dyspraxia. Learning the piano has done wonders for his self-esteem, coordination and concentration.”