Number 54 in our countdown of '70 Ways Art Improves Our Health' highlights how musical training can improve our brainpower…

Beyond what we know of its general benefits to our health and wellbeing, researchers have found that making music does a great deal to boost our brainpower.

Studies have found that it can improve language ability, academic performance, and memory. Musical training and playing an instrument or singing a song is good for people of all ages.

Particularly, active music making in a social context can enhance both physical and mental health in older people. One study found that music activities even helped to improve the memory of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

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