More about the music and human anatomy

Besides the brain differences, described in previous articles, researchers discovered modifications in other parts of the body. Particularly, the fingers that are used for fretting the strings contain a larger amount of the sensory neuronal pathways (Science 270:305-307). The number of neurons activated during the playing is also increased, and dependent on the age of the start of music studies. These findings explain and should motivate us to practice! We know that the results will be there, making us better guitarists.

  Since all the anatomic difference findings correlate to the early starting age of the musician, it is easy to assume that the older music beginners are in anatomical disadvantage. Yet, that conclusion cannot be drawn, simply because there are many great musicians that started their training much later than at than the age of seven. The anatomical adaptations seen among the former group of musicians could simply be explained by considering the brain s development in the early years of life. This development might be affected by musical training, or other factors, but does not automatically mean it s significant for the musician s progress. It might simply be an environmental adaptation.

   Furthermore, looking back at the great composers-musicians, we see a unanimous trait present in their musical behaviour  the famous PRACTICE. For example, J. S. Bach told their student s that his eagerness made him a good player. F. Liszt practiced 4-5 h of various piano exercises daily (how much time did he spent composing?). The great opera composer G. Verdi worked 10-12 hours daily during his early career.

  Musical skills are in other words highly dependent on the practicing habits. As in other fields of life, the work causes the results.

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