Music lessons build brainpower
Column by Steve Lopez/Los Angeles Times
To those who suggest, as many do, that my brain doesn't seem to function very effectively at times, I know exactly what's wrong with me. And I blame my parents. Never during my upbringing did I hear the words that so many millions of children dread: "You're going to take piano lessons, and you're going to like them." My parents never played any instruments, and the only music in my house was TV-show theme songs. Sure, there were music classes in my Northern California schools, but with no encouragement or curiosity, I missed the boat. So what does any of that have to do with my limited brainpower? (more...)