Music Can Grow the Brain, June 21, 2006

Can music training make individuals smarter or grow the brain larger? Scientists found more grey matter in the auditory cortex of the right hemisphere in musicians compared to nonmusicians. They feel these differences are probably not genetic, but instead due to use and practice.

Listening to classical music, particularly Mozart, has recently been thought to enhance performance on cognitive tests. Recent findings indicate that listening to any music that is personally enjoyable has positive effects on cognition. In addition, the use of music to enhance memory suggests that musical recitation enhances the coding of information by activating neural networks in a more united and thus more optimal fashion.

Music also has positive effects on health and immunity.