Music & math are connected!
Did you know Einstein used to sit and play music when he was stuck on a mathematical problem? By concentrating on the problem at hand (left brain) while playing the piano or violin (right brain), he was able to strengthen the communication between the two hemispheres of his brain and increase brainpower.
Listening to Music May Improve Math Skills and Cognition
A considerable amount of research suggests that listening to music may improve cognitive skills. More recent studies show that the Mozart Effect, as it is known, has very little to do with listening to Mozart and more to do with listening to music that activates a certain portion of the brain. Classical music and minor tones for the right side, upbeat and major tones for the left side. Over the years, Dr. Robert Melillo has worked with a composer to develop a line of music that specifically addresses strengthening each hemisphere.
Performing Music Teaches Valuable Lessons to Students
While listening to enjoyable music may improve cognition and math skills, performing music offers more advantages. Learning music improves math skills because, at some level, all music is math. It's about time signatures, beats per minute and formulaic progressions. Performing music, therefore, reinforces parts of the brain used when doing math. Studies even show that children who play instruments are able to complete complex mathematical problems better than peers who do not play instruments.
Students who commit themselves to learning an instrument may also learn other skills that help them perform better in school. It takes a considerable amount of patience to practice scales, and children who apply similar patience to doing schoolwork will have an advantage over those who don't. Fine motor skills are also improved by playing musical instruments.
Taking time to appreciate music is a reward on its own. For the teachers and parents trying to help children succeed, that time could also improve math and academic skills.
—From the Brain Balance Center
