Pianists' Brains Really Are Bigger. Find Out Why!

If you feel like you've got more balance in your life as a pianist, you're actually on to something!

In the past couple of decades, scientists have been discovering through modern imaging technology the physical changes in brains of those who play the piano with those who don't play the piano. 

What they found confirmed the hypothesis that pianists brains grow differently and even perform differently from non-pianists. 

The unique aspects of how pianists brains work compared to other instrumentalists and musicians is due to the fact that when we play the piano, we are doing much more at the same time than is required to play other instruments. 

• Pianists have to read 2 different clefs at the same time: Treble and Bass
• Pianists have to play up to 10 or more notes at one time out of 88 different piano keys, and again, in 2 different clefs. 
• Both the right and the left hand have different yet equal demands on them; requiring them to behave as if they had 2 different "little brains." 

The brain adapts to this type of activity in a completely different way than it does for other activities. It may seem that this would overload our brains with making it do so much at one time, but the brain is perfectly capable of handling this intense multitasking, and even more. 

Let's look inside the brain to see what parts react so positively to piano playing and what areas of our bodies they affect. 

• The central sulcus is the area most associated with whether we are left-handed or right-handed. If the left area is bigger, then most often those people will end up being right handed; and visa versa if this area of the brain is larger on the right side. In pianists, there isn't a larger side! What this means, is that pianists have a more balanced brain in determining which side is stronger, as both are pretty much equal. It also means that pianists can function equally well when dealing with abstract ideas - represented by our right brains, and more literal and problem solving ideas - represented by our left brains. Scientists believe that this comes from working both the left and right hands independently at the same time. 
• Our brains love working! Results from different studies show that instead of becoming burned-out by working so hard when we play the piano, our brains end up processing more information than beforehand, and faster than ever. Connections in the nerves between the different parts of our Frontal Lobes create stronger communication with all areas of our brains, not just one or two. This increase in connectivity supports the work of the Frontal Lobe which is to process information. Playing the piano is like lifting weights in your frontal lobe! The more you play, the more information you can take in, process, and send out again in any form you wish. 
• One of the most interesting changes in the brain when pianists play, is that the area of the brain connected with "predetermined responses" goes to sleep basically, so that the pianist can use his or her own "original voice" when performing. Wow! This is something like saying; "The more you play your piano, the more you become you"! So while you may end up saying the common response of "fine" whenever asked "how you are", remember that when you play the piano, you connect with your authentic voice and feelings much more easily; and can actually be honest in your communication even if it isn't in words. 

Playing the Piano is really a "win-win" for anyone who chooses to do it.

​Thanks to the efforts of curious scientists and lay persons, we are able to now see what before was only a hunch. The changes in our brains from playing the piano are good and beneficial. They continue to help us in life as long as we are able to play. And, the more we do it, the more beneficial results we end up experiencing! Think about what is happening in your brain while you are playing next time and realize that all of these changes will help you in your piano playing and all other areas of your life.

Stay Tuned to LessonsOnTheWeb to learn much more and achieve your dream of playing the piano!