[Dixielandjazz] Do musicians have better brains?

[Stephen G Barbone]

Thanks to Norman Vickers who posted this link below on another chat  
list. The musicians among us will no doubt agree with it. <grin>

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110505083421.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Latest+Science+News%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

Basically, using EEGs to measure brain activity, researchers doing  
this study, concluded the following: Musicians have well developed  
frontal lobes, that brain part which is used for higher brain  
functions like planning and logical thinking. And that Alpha Waves  
dominate. These waves are what connect the dots between disparate  
details and an entire concept. Plus, such higher brain function  
individuals use their brain resources economically. They are alert and  
ready for action when it is functional to be so. But are also relaxed  
and will adopt a wait and see attitude when that is functional.  
Musicians also exhibited a higher level of moral reasoning and had  
more frequent "peak experiences", intense moments of happiness and  
feelings of transcending limitations.

It's good to be a musician. Don't shoot the messenger. <grin>

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband