If the game Guitar Hero has taught us anything, it’s that being a rock star is fun. The fame and fortune are nice, but anyone who is all about the music loves that feeling of nailing the song perfectly or ripping out a screaming solo. And while playing videogames with plastic instruments can be entertaining, few things are as satisfying as actually playing an instrument.
Making music is one of the oldest and most hallowed traditions practiced. One of the reasons for this is that it is simply very pleasurable, not only for the musician, but for all those within earshot as well. When undertaking the process of learning how to play a new instrument, it is crucial to remember to keep it fun. The dedication and hard work needed to master music making will come much more easily if you look forward to the process. For this reason, pick an instrument that interests you. If you like Heavy Metal, try the guitar. If you’re into Jazz, give the piano a shot. Playing the music you like to listen to is a surefire way to stay interested as you progress.
Another great reason to learn an instrument is that it makes you smarter. Studies have proven that musicians have significantly more acute listening and audible comprehension skills. This is important for a variety of reasons, especially when considering that the majority of learning occurs by listening to oral lectures.
Creativity is yet another benefit. Self-expression through music is a fantastic way to relax and relieve stress, and the pathways in the brain that riffing or jamming open up could cross over to many other unexpected areas.
Finally, being able to play an instrument could pay off financially. For example, there are individuals who helped pay for textbooks in college by performing at gigs with bands they met at school. You could also teach someone else how to play and pass on what you’ve learned (for a small fee, of course).
Being able to play an instrument is a skill that can be learned at any point in life, and the benefits will stick with you as long as you keep practicing. And if you happen to make it big, well, that’s not that bad either.
Showing posts with label benefits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label benefits. Show all posts
Mar 9, 2009
Jan 19, 2009
Physical Exercise and the Brain
In order to live a healthy life you must have some kind of physical activity every day. But can exercising your body affect the way that you think and learn?
In a recent podcast interview to promote his new book, “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain”, Dr. John Ratey explains how in some schools troublesome children are given a “Time In” as opposed to a “Time Out”. This basically means that when a child is disruptive they are not put in isolation as traditional punishment dictates. Instead, they are instructed to use a stationary bike or similarly active task for a few minutes. Some even employ the videogame “Dance Dance Revolution”, where the player must synch-up quick dance steps with images on a television screen. The idea is to stimulate the release of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters through exercise, and thus bring a balance to internal brain chemistry. The release of these chemicals helps in activating the frontal cortex, therefore inhibiting the lower functions of the brain, such as those that cause impulsive and runaway behavior. Dr. Ratey refers to recent studies as proof that exercise has been decisively linked to better marks in school, especially math.
In fact, exercise has been cited as an effective treatment for a variety of mental illnesses, including depression, ADD, and the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s. During exercise, the brain releases the same chemicals it would under the influence of medication prescribed by a psychiatrist (dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, etc.). These chemicals increase focus and energy, decrease impulsiveness, elevate mood, and give a bevy of other positive effects. In addition, the brain becomes more able to rewire itself and create those connections associated with learning. And the best part is – exercise is freely available to all and comes with no side effects!
In a recent podcast interview to promote his new book, “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain”, Dr. John Ratey explains how in some schools troublesome children are given a “Time In” as opposed to a “Time Out”. This basically means that when a child is disruptive they are not put in isolation as traditional punishment dictates. Instead, they are instructed to use a stationary bike or similarly active task for a few minutes. Some even employ the videogame “Dance Dance Revolution”, where the player must synch-up quick dance steps with images on a television screen. The idea is to stimulate the release of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters through exercise, and thus bring a balance to internal brain chemistry. The release of these chemicals helps in activating the frontal cortex, therefore inhibiting the lower functions of the brain, such as those that cause impulsive and runaway behavior. Dr. Ratey refers to recent studies as proof that exercise has been decisively linked to better marks in school, especially math.
In fact, exercise has been cited as an effective treatment for a variety of mental illnesses, including depression, ADD, and the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s. During exercise, the brain releases the same chemicals it would under the influence of medication prescribed by a psychiatrist (dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, etc.). These chemicals increase focus and energy, decrease impulsiveness, elevate mood, and give a bevy of other positive effects. In addition, the brain becomes more able to rewire itself and create those connections associated with learning. And the best part is – exercise is freely available to all and comes with no side effects!
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