Musical Instrument Practice Alters Brain Structure
Author: Faculty of 1000: Biology and Medicine
Published: 2009/10/26 - Updated: 2026/01/20
Publication Type: Findings
Category Topic: Offbeat News - Related Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This research highlights findings from Faculty of 1000 Medicine regarding how musical instrument practice creates structural and functional changes in the brain. The article draws on peer-reviewed studies showing that musicians have distinct brain regions compared to non-musicians, particularly in areas processing music, memory, and language. The authority comes from Lutz Jancke's review in Faculty of 1000 Biology Reports, a publication where leading researchers showcase advances in their fields. The information is particularly useful for older adults, those with cognitive decline, and individuals with disabilities, as it demonstrates music's therapeutic potential for neuropsychological rehabilitation - offering a natural, accessible avenue for improving cognitive skills without pharmaceutical intervention - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
Regularly playing a musical instrument changes the anatomy and function of the brain and may be used in therapy to improve cognitive skills.
Main Content
There is growing evidence that musicians have structurally and functionally different brains compared with non-musicians.
In particular, the areas of the brain used to process music are larger or more active in musicians. Even just starting to learn a musical instrument can changes the neurophysiology of the brain.
Lutz Jancke, a member of Faculty of 1000 Medicine, proposes using music in neuropsychological therapy, for example to improve language skills, memory, or mood.
In a review for Faculty of 1000 Biology Reports, an online publication in which leading researchers highlight advances in their field, Jancke summarizes recent studies of professional musicians.
The brain regions involved in music processing are also required for other tasks, such as memory or language skills.
"If music has such a strong influence on brain plasticity," writes Jancke, "this raises the question of whether this effect can be used to enhance cognitive performance."
Several studies indeed show that musical practice increases memory and language skills, and Jancke suggests expanding this field.
"Hopefully, the current trend in the use of musicians as a model for brain plasticity will continue... and extend to the field of neuropsychological rehabilitation."