Dear ,

Have you ever wondered why musicians seem to have an uncanny ability to remember things? Or why so many studies link learning an instrument to higher cognitive function? Science has shown time and time again that playing music isn’t just an enjoyable pastime—it actually makes you smarter.

When we learn to play an instrument, we engage multiple areas of the brain simultaneously. From memorizing notes and rhythms to coordinating hand movements, musicians activate neural pathways that strengthen cognitive skills. Research has found that children who study music tend to perform better in subjects like math and language, while adults who continue playing see benefits in memory retention and even a reduced risk of cognitive decline.

But here’s something truly mind-blowing—musicians’ brains are actually physically different from those who don’t play music. Studies using MRI scans have found that musicians have a larger corpus callosum—the bundle of nerves connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This means that musicians’ brains communicate faster and more efficiently, allowing them to process information more quickly, multitask better, and even think more creatively than non-musicians. Essentially, learning an instrument doesn’t just train your brain—it reshapes it in ways that last a lifetime!

And these benefits aren’t just for professional musicians—anyone, at any age, can reap the rewards. Studies show that playing an instrument improves focus, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence. It’s even been linked to better decision-making, as it strengthens the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for critical thinking and impulse control.

At Metro Music Makers, we see these benefits firsthand every day. Whether it’s a child mastering their first song, a teenager building confidence through performance, or an adult rediscovering their passion for music, we know that learning an instrument is a lifelong gift—not just for the joy it brings, but for the scientifically proven superpowers it gives your brain.

So if you or someone you know has ever thought, “I wish I had learned an instrument,” there’s no better time than now to start. Your brain will literally rewire itself to become sharper, stronger, and more resilient. Now, that’s music to our ears.

Keep learning, keep growing, and let the music lead the way,
Allison Jarrell 🎵
Founder and CEO

P.S. If you’re curious to dive deeper into the research behind these incredible brain benefits, check out studies from neuroscientists who have explored these changes in detail (PubMed, Journal of Neuroscience, Another Neuroscience Study).

Congratulations to our February Student of the Month!

Kate invited Allison to be her special guest at her school's recent Grandparents & Special Friends Day.