Going in Circles
Mountains of research has been done, and heaps of things have been said, about the advantages of music study on brain function. The benefits pop up everywhere.
A benefit that I didn’t suspect turned up in my email inbox today. Try the following.
Subject: HOW SMART IS YOUR RIGHT FOOT?
This is hysterical. You have to try this. It is absolutely true. I
guess there are some things that the brain cannot handle.You have to try this please it takes 2 seconds. I could not believe
this!!! It is from an orthopaedic surgeon………… This will
boggle your mind and you will keep you trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but you can ‘ t. It’s pre-programmed in your brain!1.
Without anyone watching you (they will think you are GOOFY!!) and
while sitting at your desk in front of your computer, lift your
right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles with it.2.
Now, while doing this, draw the number ‘ 6 ‘ in the air with your
right hand. Your foot will change direction. I told you so!!! And there’s nothing you can do about it! You and I both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done you are going to try it again, if you’ve not already done so.Send it to your friends to frustrate them too. I just did!!
I tried this while reading this instructions and sure enough, my foot automatically started going the same direction as my hand. The difference is that as soon as I tried again, I was easily able to keep my foot going the right way.
Most people have little occasion to ask their two hands to carry out simultaneous and distinct tasks. Piano players are good at this, as are musicians on most other instruments. Piano players also use both of their feet on the pedals.
The complex tasks required to make music stimulate the brain and increase its ability. This increase in brain function shows up everywhere, everyday.