Music Training Improves Brain Function and Mood

Music training has been a recognized mental health treatment since the dawn of time. Find out how a new study shows that learning to play an instrument improves our cognition while relieving depression, anxiety and stress.

I learned to read music at the same time I learned to read and write words. I started piano lessons at age seven, and I switched to guitar at age 10.

I still play my guitar every day, and it brings me the same joy now that it did 50 years ago. There’s something about music training, and especially learning new songs, that feels meaningful and lifts my mood.

Humanity has used music for healing since the dawn of time. Apollo was the Greek god of both music and medicine. We can tell from wall paintings that Egyptian physicians used music to treat the sick.

Hippocrates Played Music for His Mental Patients

Historians consider Hippocrates to be the founder of the medical profession. About 2,400 years ago, he composed the oath doctors still take when they begin practice. He also played music for his mental patients.

In the twentieth century, the horrors of both World Wars left may veterans suffering with emotional and physical trauma. Hospitals encouraged musicians to visit these patients and…