Music And The Brain And The Brilliance Of It All!

I saw this very interesting video that was produced by Ted-Ed and instantly had many flashing memories come through my mind. For a long time now, I have been unable to multitask, especially if there was music playing. I've always chucked it to simply not having the mental capacity to write, or read, or even be really engaged in a conversation if music played in the background, especially if it was a song I liked. 

Now, I understand my brain a little better, thanks to this explanation. 

The video talks about how our brains light up when music plays. We are able to distinguish rhythm, melody, and I suppose, tones and chords as well, which all happens at the same time. Not to mention how some songs or lines bring back memories and emotions too! And that's just the listening side of music. There same video talks about the difference of a listener to a musician, who has trained how to play an instrument, and is now able to access most of the areas of the brain at the very same time. Not something the brain often does when experiencing most anything else. 

No wonder it can be so tiring to listen to music. Just this morning I was running through the songs i'm playing tonight at Handlebar with Tempestuous Jones. It didn't take very long before I decided, that's it, i've given it enough time to familiarize myself with the songs and chords and arrangements, that it was time to give myself some silence and allow my brain to breathe. 

Another example was when Niko, Rico, and I attended a workshop at The Sofitel featuring Scott Henderson, Dennis Chambers, and Jeff Berlin. All three of us were exhausted and had to leave the room for a smoke every hour or so. They were doing so much on stage that our brains were fried just listening to them. 

As for playing music, I also understand how I don't find it that easy to engage with the audience that well while at a gig. My concentration becomes divided when I try and my playing ends up suffering. Naturally, there are easier songs to play where you don't get lost and play as tight as if you had your eyes closed, but for other songs, I can't even think about how my wife is in the audience. 

It's nice to know now that music is in charge of me and controls even my social life. So the next time we're talking and there's a song I really like that's playing, please don't get offended if it seems as if i'm drifting away from you and into the wild and colorful processes of my brain.