Making music

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Can a simple idea help make the world a better place? Each week we ask a guest to outline an idea to improve all our lives. Here, neuroscientist Gregory Berns believes everyone should learn to play music.

When I say make music, that means sing, play an instrument, or simply bang out a rhythm by whatever means that are available to you.

I do not mean computer games like Guitar Hero.

It doesn't matter whether you have talent or if you think you're tone deaf - the simple act of producing a rhythmic or harmonious statement, teaches us skills that so often fall by the wayside in modern life.


I think it's a shame that we take music for granted now, perhaps it is because music is so ubiquitous. But I see music as something to celebrate humanity.

I see it as something every man, woman and child should do on a daily basis.

Apart from developing communication skills, making music helps us to listen to each other.

It is impossible to make music with other people without listening to your fellow musicians.

Making music also develops motor skills. It develops parts of the brain that would otherwise not be used - and most importantly - it feels good.

Gregory Berns is the Director of the Centre for Neuropolicy at Emory University in Atlanta, USA.