Perhaps it was Isaac Newton who said it best. In a letter written in 1675, the great scientist said that if he was able to see farther than most, it was because he was standing on the shoulders of giants. And in our High School days, we all have learned a thing or two from Newton’s Theory of Gravity. The maverick Englishman attributed his scientific achievements to men before him who laid the groundwork for his genius to flourish.
But Newton’s theory on a gravitational pull would soon be proven to be a bit shortsighted. In the vastness of space where planets and stars collide, a more reliable formula emerged to hold things together: The Theory of Relativity. Of course, we now lay the ultimate praise to Albert Einstein and his genius.
What we don’t know is that music played a central role in the German physicist’s mental struggles. When he was not making heads or tails with his mathematical equations he played either the piano or the violin to put himself up to the task. That should tell us music can be a driving force in our greatest achievements.
Einstein the Musician
Yes, music can put us in a better mood. But truth be told, its ability to sharpen our brains may be music’s most cherished function.
Albert Einstein would be the paragon example of this. And there may be no one so fitting. His Theory of Relativity changed everything. So much, when we think of a genius it’s highly likely the picture of Einstein would come up in mind.
The German scientist who fled the totalitarian regime of Adolf Hitler enjoyed music at heart. He listened to the music of two of the most celebrated classical geniuses the world has known, namely Bach and Mozart. He even mentioned that had he not been into science he would have been a musician. And true enough, he taught himself the violin and played the piano too.
Solving the Toughest Mind Problems with Music
But all that is paltry to what music actually contributed to Einstein’s genius. It is said that when he was stuck at a mathematical problem, the German intellectual would sit and then play music.
Experts believe it’s a strategic move. By focusing on a math challenge at hand (a function of the left brain) and playing either the piano or the violin (a function of the right brain), Einstein enhanced his brain powers. Specifically, the act fostered communication between the two sides of his brain, boosting the whole by leaps and bounds.
Elsa, Einstein’s second wife, recalled that there was a time Einstein would sometimes appear lost in his thought. Then, he’d wander and play the piano for about half an hour while intermittently writing down notes. ;
The wife observed that Albert was so focused on the task at hand, he disappeared into his room. Then, he would emerge to play the piano every now and then. After this seemingly erratic period, Einstein emerged after two weeks holding the initial draft of the Theory of Relativity in his hand.
How Music Can Help Your Child
Indeed, more and more research points out how learning to play music can positively impact the brain. We’re talking about speech perception, reading skills, and math skills. In short, it’s boosting the cognitive abilities of a child.
In this regard, teaching your child how to play an instrument at an early age should be wise. And this is where lessons in the piano would come in handy for instance. For starters, your child can learn the benefits of focus and concentration, a key skill in learning.
Moreover, it can also positively impact his emotional development. By honing his social skills early, you facilitate the development of his emotional intelligence.
Music has unlocked the brain of one of the planet’s most celebrated scientists. Perhaps, it’s also time it unlocks the potential of your child.