Drumming and Your Brain

Here at MayosMusic, in addition to offering great guitar, bass, ukulele, banjo and autoharp lessons, plus complete luthier services that include guitar, string instrument and amplifier repair/restorations, we are also a great resource service. The following article is a short review how learning and playing drums affects your brain. Question: Should I try to learn and play the drums or not?

In a recently published study from Bergmannsheil University in Bochum, Germany, researchers found that drummers seem to modify their brains (and in both hemispheres) significantly different from non-musicians and musicians that are not drummers. Because drummers complete different rhythmical tasks with all (4) limbs simultaneously, their brain develops a thicker tract of white matter (corpus callosum) that connects the two hemispheres as compared to non-drummers. And, thicker fibers transfer impulses more quickly.

The authors of this study believe that “drumming is associated with more efficient neuronal design of cortical motor areas of the brain” and as such, makes the brain more efficient.

So, you may ask, why is a guitar/bass teacher telling you this? Well...

1. Guitarists and bassists do play with drummers- so pass this along and especially to beginner drummers.
2. All musicians will become better on their primary or main instrument when they practice and learn a different instrument. Playing bass or uke makes you a better guitar player and playing drums can help you to become a better guitar player also.

Give it a try.