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# Music and Math Compute

May 23, 2022

"Put your mind to it" is what a parent might say over a math problem. "Practice makes perfect" is another expression — only this one pertains to the search for a beautiful musical sound.

The truth is that playing the piano — or any instrument — increases brainpower when working on mathematical or other spatial-temporal reasoning problems.

The human brain has two hemispheres, each responsible for various functions. The right side handles attention, memory, and reasoning, whereas the left controls analytical thought and cognitive functions such as speech and language. The two are interdependent. Learning to play the piano creates unique opportunities for the brain to build newer and multiple connections between the two sides. This strengthened communication in turn enhances a student's performance in math and other analytical or computational fields.

Numerous studies show that even listening to music improves cognitive skills. Classical music produces minor and major tones that activate certain parts of the brain and stimulate a balance between the hemispheres. In many ways, music is math at its core — there is counting of beats per minute and time signatures, and it was Pythagoras who observed the ratios of sounds and established the foundations of the musical tuning we still use today. While overall improvement in cognition and math comes from making music, it is the lesson structure and focused attention — combined with the commitment to learning an instrument — that also builds aptitude. With proper guidance, piano practice forms healthy habits: time management, patience, and fine motor skills, as those fingers start to fly over the keys.

Playing music on the piano could be an invaluable tool for parents seeking to help their child succeed in school and in the STEM fields. A wholesome piano education will enhance academics and contribute to the holistic background of a student looking to go above and beyond the standard curriculum.

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