<p>Musicians</a>' Brains 'Fine-Tuned' to Identify Emotion</p>
<p>Seems plausible. Stereotypes are often grounded in truth.</p>
<p>Interesting study. Thanks for the link.</p>
<p>That's an interesting study, but judging from my own three kids, I think I'd nuance it a bit differently. All three of my kids started music lessons around the article's critical cut-off age, and all three reached advanced levels. My oldest is not emotional AT ALL - we call him Spock. </p>
<p>I think this might have something to do with why he is the only one who didn't major in music. He loves music, understands it very well, took music history for the fun of it, and has a deep and passionate love affair with his guitar. He started music lessons at 7½. </p>
<p>Second son is extremely emotional. As a child, he was either laughing hysterically or wailing. Often within the same moment. He's calmed down much, but his passion comes through his music. He started formal lessons at 8, but we saw signs of his ability before he was 2. </p>
<p>Daughter is a definite cross between her brothers. She started violin at age 6.</p>
<p>So I'm wondering if the age of starting lessons has more to do with parents' own musical talent or picking up on their kids' interest in music. And that the emotional factor might be related to innate talent/ musical appreciaton rather than lessons?</p>
<p>There is some really interesting research on how music affects the brain. Most of the research is pretty primative and it is always difficult to determine causation. Do people who like music have some common neurobiology or does music training alter neurobiology? Probably some of both. In any case, there are significant correlations between music (or music training) and mathematical ability. Also there is a correlation between music and multitasking abilities. Musicians tend to be good at reading body language. At one time I had a collection of literature references. Some of the research makes interesting reading but most is scientifically pretty much speculative. </p>
<p>If this speculation fascinates you, you might want to read This is Your Brain on Music.</p>
<p>I second the endorsement for "This Is Your Brain On Music" by Daniel Levitin. Levitin comes at the subject from the unique perspective of starting life as a musician and record producer, then getting a doctorate in neurophysiology. He does get down into the physiology of the brain at a level that's a little hard to follow at times, but mostly it's a really fascinating read.</p>