Can Music Grow Your Brain?

By: Katrina Kwantes-Oliveira
Admin Assistant / Oboe / Piano Teacher

There have been many studies on whether or not music can make you smarter or grow your brain. For a while, researchers thought that classical music increased brain activity and made its listeners smarter - this was known as the ‘Mozart Effect". We now know that just listening to music does not make you smarter, but that doesn’t mean it is without its benefits. Not only can listening to music slow cognitive decline, but it can also improve mood and alertness. I’m sure you can think of a time when listening to a favorite song made you feel better or altered your mood.
As far as music growing your brain, you will have to do a little more than just passively listen. Studies have shown that learning a new instrument and then habitually practicing that instrument can actually grow parts of your brain. These benefits, although more pronounced when music learning begins in adolescence, are also seen when music studies begin in adulthood. 
To learn more and to learn how you can do even more to grow your brain, please read the following article:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/long-fuse-big-bang/202209/music-can-literally-grow-your-brain​