Neuroscientists Find That Playing an Instrument Is a Unique Workout for the Brain

In this animated Ted-Ed lesson by educator Anita Collins, neuroscientists have found that playing an instrument is a unique workout for the brain as it activates numerous areas of the brain at the same time, a phenomenon that is not found in other activities.

When you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. But when you actually play an instrument, that activity becomes more like a full-body brain workout. What’s going on? Anita Collins explains the fireworks that go off in musicians’ brains when they play, and examines some of the long-term positive effects of this mental workout.