Train your brain with music

I was quite interested to read recently that playing the piano (or any musical instrument) can burn calories. It certainly feels like a workout sometimes, particularly when playing fiendish passages of fast semiquavers in more advanced music!

But there are also numerous studies that have found learning music is good for giving the brain a workout too and keeping the mind sharp.

When I give an adult student something tricky, like a piece in a new key signature of 5 flats or sharps, I often say “here is your brain teaser or cryptic crossword for the week!”. Turns out that could be much truer than I realised.

So if students complain that something is difficult I’ll just point them in the direction of those studies and tell them it’s good for them!