Surprising Confession of a Music-Addict: Music and Your Brain

My name is Aaron, and I have a confession to to make...
I’m addicted to music. But not for the reasons you might think. 

I love the sound, feel, fun of it all. But moreso, I love what it does for my BRAIN. It has benefited me in nearly every area of my life as I’ve pursued it.
You think I’d grow tired of learning after 36 years of playing, and 26 years teaching music. Nope!  I’m still fully engaged in growing together with our students. 

So it’s no surprise that I find it fascinating, to learn the science behind what I’ve experientially known for years. Music is great for your brain! I’ve experiences it myself and my students over all these years.  

I Have Personally Seen:
- Students go from D's to A's 
- Confidence explode
- Increased focus
- Self forgiveness (more on this in another post)
- Executive function (a very desirable brain quality) 
- Speed of though / quick wittedness
- Creative expression in all arenas
- Self awareness expand
- Expand mental sharpness and clarity for all ages
- And so so so so so much more.

The Parts Work Together
Music, and specifically PLAYING a musical instruments, is unlike any other activity.  
Pulling together different parts or your brain to work in conjunction. All in real-time! 

The Flow State
In my experience this includes what musicians call THE FLOW STATE. It’s that state where you are stop thinking about all the complex minutia of what you are doing. You are not thinking about the MECHANICS of playing. You're just playing music. This flow-state is the state where your thoughts flow and literally become music. There is very little conscious thought in that moment. Time both seems to stands still, and yet passes quickly. 

Playing fast passages? If feels like broad gestures in slow-motion. Working on a new song or skill? The time passes quickly and pleasantly as immerse yourself in your music making.


Register for lessons, bands, and more.

---

Author

As an musician for over 35 years, and an educator for over 25 years, Aaron has trained and worked with thousands of musicians. His students include both local and national award winners, plus industry professionals.  He has trained international music teams that have toured throughout the world. As part of DeepWater Music, his works have been seen in places like Worship Leader Magazine, and CCM.