Does playing the piano influence the brain?

[monstro]

I've recently been practicing the piano after a long-time hiatus from music in general. My skill level has increased noticeably over the past six months. Since I was originally trained on the violin, my brain has had to get used to "two-hand" performance. It used to be frustrating not being able to play pieces with complicated left- and right-hand parts, but now I've gotten the hang of it.

Sometimes I find that as I practice, trying to get my left and right hands to do their own thing, there's a magical moment when my brain clicks and it figures out what to do. The magical moments make piano playing so fun for me.

My question: Has there been any studies done on the effects of long-term piano playing on brain functioning? Also, do piano players tend to be more ambidextrous than others? Do they fare better after brain damage? Or am I making too much of the "magical moments"?

[Race Bannon]

Monstro, I don't have an answer, but let me join you in the question. I know what you mean about the "magical moments". Often people ask me "how can you remember all those notes and play them so fast?" I have to answer: I have no idea. I can say I remember a few key positions, and certain trick fingering, but mostly, I just listen and watch as I'm playing.

I've heard it said that trained musicians listen to music using a different part of their brain than folks who are untrained.

I also note that I am unable to speak or respond to questions (any more than a grunt) while I'm playing. I don't think everybody is like this. (singing along is no problem).

[Ale]

One day I started playing the piano again after a year or so without punching a note, I would start the few notes I remembered of a certain piece and then WHAM! off it comes the full thing, my theory is that while practising once and once again a piece you hardwire neuronal paths that once triggered create a uncoincious chain reaction. It´s like tieing your shoelaces, you don`t even think about it, you´ve done it so many times that the fingers seem to move on their own.

Also I think that learning new stuff in general helps to keep the brain in good health, making new sinaptical connections. Playing the piano does the same.

[easy e]

Well, your cerebellum does "remember" complex muscle movements, which is why practice helps, whether in music, sports, or other activities. Another example could be typing--when I was first learning how to touch-type, I had to be consciously aware of what key I wanted to type. But now, things seem to be on "automatic pilot."

[NoCoolUserName]

I mostly play guitar, but I find that it takes my brain a while to process a new piece. I'll practice one bit for half-an-hour, then leave it for a couple of days. When I go to play it again, my execution is much better than it was when I finished practicing. What's up with that?