The Surprising Link Between Music and Intelligence

What does music have to do with intelligence and brain power? It turns out, quite a lot! Through my research for Super Genius Society I've discovered that if I want to boost my kids' intelligence and cognitive development, I don't need to rely on new technology or screens. Instead, music education, and more specifically learning to play a musical instrument is incredibly effective.  I came across an MIT study on the benefits of music to cognitive development conducted in 2020 which revealed that it’s not coding which increases brain power, but learning to play music. Whether singing or playing an instrument, making music is highly beneficial for young minds, for all minds in fact.

I've often been tempted by the idea that coding can enhance skills like neuroplasticity, improving math and language abilities. However, the MIT study confirms that understanding computer code is distinct from math and logic and doesn't necessarily improve language skills. What does benefit children is a musical education! Another 2021 study conducted at the University of Zurich explains that “musicians' brains were vastly more structurally and functionally connected than non-musicians, especially in areas of the brain responsible for speech and sound (especially the auditory cortices of both hemispheres). ... The musical group also showed stronger connections from the auditory cortices to other brain areas in the frontal, parietal, and temporal cortex known to be involved in the control of higher cognitive functions like memory, working memory, and executive functions.” The Journal of Neuroscience reports that these brain benefits remain even if the person stops playing the instrument later in life. Musical education is also vital in forming these connectivities and the earlier musicians start musical practice the stronger these are. 

According to Lutz Jäncke, a co-author of the the University of Zurich study, this demonstrates how experiences shape the human brain.The root of these strong neural connections are because musicians “learn complex motor and auditory skills I.e. the translation of visually perceived musical symbols into motor commands with simultaneous auditory monitoring of output”. Which means that the brain is translating musical symbols into motor commands while simultaneously monitoring the sounds produced. I mean, that's a lot! This process increases the volume of gray matter in various brain regions, suggesting structural adaptations in response to long-term skill acquisition and the practice of those skills regardless of the ability to recognize pitch. These connections improve auditory processing and higher cognitive functions like memory and executive functions, potentially benefiting other areas such as language learning and intelligence. So the longer a person learns and practices the stronger the brain. It truly sounds like body building for the brain and it is not exclusive to young people, adults can benefit from this as well! 

So, whether it's singing, strumming a guitar or ukulele, playing piano, or drumming, making music is one of the best ways to stimulate the mind. Music lessons and musical education have lifelong benefits, helping children read better, store memories, and learn different languages.  

Is learning to play an instrument the only way to get benefits from music?

No! Music is inherently structural, mathematical and architectural, based on the relationships between notes. You may not be aware of it, but your brain has to do a lot of computing to make sense of it. Listening to music also offers various benefits: it reduces stress, improves mood and sleep, enhances spatial-temporal learning, and boosts the brain's ability to produce neurons. Music can also alleviate pain, increase endurance, and reduce feelings of loneliness. Experts suggest listening to a variety of music to challenge the brain in ways familiar music cannot.  Often we continue to listen to the same songs and genre of music that we get comfortable with or accustomed to, and we generally avoid hearing anything that strays beyond that. New music challenges the brain in a way that old music doesn’t. It might not feel as pleasurable as our go to playlists at first, but that unfamiliarity forces the brain to struggle to understand the new sound and grow. In time we recalibrate our musical palate to accept new sounds.

Take classical music, for instance. It's challenging for those who didn't grow up with it to appreciate it later in life. In contrast, popular music, which is structurally simpler, is more easily digestible. We all talk fast, play fast, and think fast. And most people also want their music fast. Popular music is also structurally much simpler, kind of like a billboard, and quite a contrast to the multi-faceted complexity of classical music. A symphony is more like a good novel, so yes, more complex than a billboard. Why we listen to music also matters—whether it's to tune out, entertain, or cognitively engage with its composition and technique. Interestingly, the smartest among us often prefer instrumental music, including genres like big band, classical, and ambient or chill electronica.

Ultimately, the goal is to see the fun in music and appreciate the amazing benefits and possibilities it brings to our lives. While I don't advocate exclusively listening to classical music or practicing music solely for brain power purposes. Expanding our musical horizons can be immensely rewarding. (I mean music is an art that should be enjoyed for itself the benefits are a happy bonus!) So, let's take the first step toward broadening our musical experiences and enjoy the journey of musical discovery.