Haven’t picked up a keyboard since high school? Not sure what a treble clef even is? College is the perfect place to learn (or relearn) how to play a musical instrument. From classes and private lessons to open music halls, there are tons of opportunities to try an instrument you are curious about or to sharpen up rusty skills.
Just listening to music activates almost every part of your brain—from your cerebellum (which controls your senses and motor movements), to your hippocampus and frontal lobes (which tap your memory and language centers)—and connects the dots between different cognitive functions. And then there’s the act of playing that music yourself. From reading sheet music to translating those notes to the different keys, there’s so much going on when you play an instrument. Staying focused, processing what you are reading, and creating sounds that won’t send your roommates fleeing to the library all challenge your brain, strengthening its abilities to retain and process information and increasing your resilience to age-related health issues. It is also shown to help you make better choices and even regulate your mood! Playing music can be an extracurricular activity between classes and homework, or even a fun class you earn credits for.