How Learning to Play Music Helps With Learning

Hi, this is Ray.

I’ll admit it: when I first tried to learn guitar, my neighbors probably thought I was strangling a goose. My “music” sounded less like rock and more like random noises in a haunted house. But here’s the twist… even when I sounded awful, my brain was secretly getting smarter. Turns out, learning to play music isn’t just about impressing people at parties. It’s one of the best ways to boost your learning, memory, and brainpower in general.

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Music as a Full-Body Brain Workout

Most learning tasks activate a part of your brain. Music activates almost all of it. When you play an instrument, your brain juggles motor skills, memory, attention, and emotion… all at once. It’s like CrossFit for your neurons.

• Motor Cortex: Coordinates your hands, fingers, breath, or voice.

• Auditory Cortex: Processes sound, pitch, and rhythm.

• Prefrontal Cortex: Handles focus and problem-solving.

• Hippocampus: Stores and retrieves musical memory.

Basically, if your brain were a rock band, music would make every member play together in sync.

How Music Strengthens Learning and Memory

1. Improves Working Memory

Playing music requires holding notes, timing, and sequences in mind while performing. That strengthens working memory… the same skill you need for mental math, learning languages, or remembering where you put your car keys.

2. Enhances Long-Term Memory

Musicians are better at encoding and retrieving information. That’s why people can still remember entire songs decades later, even if they forget what they had for breakfast.

3. Boosts Language Learning

Music and language share neural networks. Learning rhythm and pitch in music sharpens your ability to hear sounds in new languages. Studies show children who play instruments pick up second languages more easily.

4. Increases Attention and Focus

Practicing music teaches sustained attention. You can’t exactly zone out while trying to keep tempo in a band… unless you want everyone to glare at you. That focus translates into studying and problem-solving.

5. Encourages Neuroplasticity

Playing music creates and strengthens new neural pathways. Translation: your brain becomes more flexible and learns other skills faster.

Music, Emotions, and Stress

Learning is harder when you’re stressed. Music helps here too. Playing or even listening to music reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. Lower stress = better focus and memory.

Ever notice how humming a tune calms you down? That’s your nervous system responding. Imagine pairing that calming effect with active learning. Music becomes both a stress reliever and a productivity booster.

Music as Brain Firmware Updates

Think of your brain as a computer. Most activities download new apps. Music? Music updates your operating system. Suddenly, everything… from memory to multitasking… runs smoother.

The Social Side of Music

Learning music often means playing with others. That collaboration builds communication skills, empathy, and teamwork… all of which enhance learning in group settings. It’s hard to stay self-centered when you’re trying not to mess up a duet.

My Music Learning Missteps

I once tried to teach myself piano by watching YouTube videos at midnight with headphones on. The problem? I didn’t have weighted keys. So when I finally played a real piano, my fingers felt like overcooked spaghetti. Humbling, yes. But also proof that practice, even clumsy practice, builds skills that carry over.

Today, I’m still not a rock star (unless you count “Rock Band” on PlayStation), but I’ve noticed the more I practice music, the sharper my brain feels. Even learning simple rhythms has helped me focus better during work.

How to Use Music to Boost Your Learning

1. Pick an Instrument You Enjoy

   If you hate it, you won’t stick with it. Even ukulele counts (and earns you beach party points).

2. Start Simple

   Don’t try to master Beethoven on day one. Learn a few chords, a simple rhythm, or a basic melody.

3. Practice Regularly

   Short, daily practice beats occasional long sessions. Fifteen minutes a day keeps your brain sharp.

4. Mix in Listening

   Listening to music actively (not as background noise) also sharpens auditory and memory skills.

5. Play With Others

   Join a band, jam with friends, or just play along with a track. Collaboration boosts learning.

The Science Backs It Up

• Musicians consistently outperform non-musicians in memory tests.

• Kids who take music lessons show higher academic performance.

• Older adults who play instruments maintain sharper cognitive function.

So whether you’re 7 or 70, it’s never too late to start. Your brain will thank you… even if your neighbors don’t.

Your Turn

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to dust off that guitar, keyboard, or even harmonica, here it is: learning music makes you a better learner in everything else. It sharpens memory, strengthens focus, reduces stress, and even makes picking up languages easier.

So grab an instrument, embrace the squeaky notes and wrong chords, and remember: every time you practice, your brain is getting smarter. And one day, maybe you’ll even impress the neighbors instead of scaring their pets.

References

1. Moreno, S., et al. (2011). Short-term music training enhances verbal intelligence and executive function. Psychological Science, 22(11), 1425–1433. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797611416999

2. Herholz, S. C., & Zatorre, R. J. (2012). Musical training as a framework for brain plasticity: behavior, function, and structure. Neuron, 76(3), 486–502. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2012.10.011

3. Ho, Y. C., Cheung, M. C., & Chan, A. S. (2003). Music training improves verbal but not visual memory: Cross-sectional and longitudinal explorations in children. Neuropsychology, 17(3), 439–450. https://doi.org/10.1037/0894-4105.17.3.439