By Hope Hummel, staff writer
Playing a musical instrument is a way of expression through notes, chords, and rhythms. It involves counting in time and memorizing notes, as well as being able to emotionally portray the story of the piece.
While the audience may be moved to the extent of tears, the feelings that come from creating these moments are even more inspiring.
Ken Wiele, director of bands at Indian Trail High School and Academy, has a prior interest in this topic.
“There are a lot of studies out there that show that the brain is actively engaged in both the creative side and the logical side [when playing an instrument],” Wiele stated.
In fact, a study done by Ted-Ed has shown that playing a musical instrument works out the entire brain in a split second, engaging practically every area.
Creating music has a different effect than other forms of art. For example, an artist will work out the right, more creative side of the brain when painting. While playing an instrument, both the creative right side and logical left side are working together to create music.
Dionisse Molina, a clarinet player at IT, feels that “music is definitely a subfield of math”.
Studies show musicians have enhanced motor skills, and may be more perceptive in reading others emotions through their tone of voice.
“[Musicians are] learning good life skills like sticking with it,” Wiele said.
The feeling of performing an emotionally enrichening piece is unlike any other. The sense of cooperation and understanding is unbelievable.
While it has been proven that musicians have structurally and functionally different brains, there are still skeptics. There have been studies aimed at disproving this movement, but with no such success.
Playing an instrument strengthens your auditory system, motor system, and emotional system, said neuropsychologist Nadine Gaab, in the 2014 Boston National Public Radio news report “How Playing Music Affects The Developing Brain”.
Whether or not it’s true that playing a musical instrument has some special effect on an individual, those who experience it first-hand know for themselves. “There’s a sense in my heart that’s keeping time,” said Anthony Koterbski, a tuba player at IT.