There is a common belief that playing musical instruments can make you smarter. Some people even suggest that playing the piano can make you as intelligent as the legendary scientist Albert Einstein.
While this may seem far-fetched, several studies provide evidence supporting this idea.
This article will explore the relationship between playing the piano and intelligence and whether mastering this instrument can make one as smart as Einstein.
Benefits of Playing the Violin
Albert Einstein was a proud owner of multiple violins over the years. He had a special affection for his violins, which he called “Lina.”
He would carry his music everywhere he went, as it inspired him while he developed some of the most influential theories in science. Einstein knew then what so many are discovering now: playing the violin is fulfilling. It’s known to be the most expressive, sublime, and fun instrument to play (but I could be biased).
You might think that playing the violin is an exciting hobby; it even allows us to entertain an audience. But have you ever asked yourself if there are any other benefits? There are many mental and physical advantages to playing this noble instrument.
Mental Benefits
String players’ brains are unique
Musicians who play string instruments develop areas of their brain that others don’t.
A study compared children who played string instruments with non-musician children. String players use their left hands to use different amounts of finger and thumb pressure and movement during playing.
Their right hands also move but with less individual finger pressure and movement. Research showed that the string players’ brains were larger and had parts sensitive to left-hand finger motions, which were more responsive than those of the non-musicians.
Why does that matter? String players’ mental imaging differs from that of non-musicians, with string players’ brain development being more excellent.
Musical ears, higher concentration, and longer attention span
A violin is one of the only instruments the musician must “create” the pitch. Dropping the finger one millimeter too high or too low can make the song sound out of tune.
For violinists to play in tune, they must be able to hear the music in their heads before they play a single note (pre-hearing). They have to stay connected to the music throughout the piece. As a result, they develop strong concentration skills.
Also, because the musician hears the sound in their head in advance, the pitch guides their fingers where to drop. This relationship must be intact until muscles in the fingers memorize where they should drop to create the correct pitch. Losing this connection means an off-key performance.
Research at the University of Illinois examining the effect of the Suzuki violin instruction shows that “aural skill development in musical training contributes to enhanced processing speed and verbal memory performance in young children. Data suggests that auditory chunking strategies, acquired in Suzuki violin instruction, transfer to memory recall and learning strategies for verbal content.”
The Suzuki method involves ear training and repeating what we hear on the violin. It is similar to how babies start talking: They hear the sounds and repeat what they hear until they can pronounce the words correctly.
This relationship with sound develops a stronger ear for the violinist and improves concentration and attention span, which helps in many other aspects of their lives.
Physical benefits
Improved dexterity
Violinists are known for their multitasking skills. Their left-hand fingers consciously search for the most precise spot to drop on the fingerboard to create the correct pitch. Being precise requires training each finger individually to function independently, which results in developing strength in each finger.
Their right hand has a different mission. It must control the bow movements in collaboration with the fingers, wrist, forearm, and upper arm, creating various sound effects and controlling the volume of the music.
Enhanced posture
Azin Ghaffari – Nirvana Academy of Violin, Adult students’ recital
Increased Upper Body Strength
Playing the violin requires incredible strength in the upper arm, forearm, upper back, chest, and shoulders.
Holding the violin while keeping the correct posture might be tiring for a beginner, but your physical stamina will improve as you repeat the movements. Your deltoids, biceps, and pectoral muscles become more robust and visibly toned. To get better conditioning while making beautiful music, consider playing the violin as the entire upper body workout you usually do at the gym!
So, will learning to play the violin make you as smart as Einstein? There’s a lot of evidence that says yes, but I encourage you to try and discover whether you’ll find the joy he found while playing. And maybe you’ll eventually have a “Lina” of your own.
Final Thoughts
While playing the violin may not necessarily make you as smart as Albert Einstein, its benefits to your mental and physical health are undeniable.
Playing the violin can help you become well-rounded by developing unique areas of your brain, improving concentration and attention span, and enhancing posture and physical strength. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, keep practicing and see how far your skills can take you!
