American neuroscientists conducted a study to find out how classical and jazz music affect the brains of professional pianists. The results showed that the music style affects how quickly and effectively musicians adapt to changes while playing.
The study involved 30 pianists, including 15 jazz and 15 classical pianists. Participants were shown a video of another musician’s hand playing short musical excerpts. The task was simple: repeat what they saw without sound. Scientists recorded brain activity using electroencephalography to understand how the brain works during the task.
Jazz pianists responded more quickly to changes in the music, such as the transition from major to minor. They readily readjusted when changing hand positions or choosing other notes. This is because jazz is based on improvisation, and musicians get used to making quick decisions on the fly.
This quickness of reaction makes jazz musicians successful in areas where quick reaction is needed. An example is sports betting in an express format. In such cases, you need to be able to quickly note certain factors and build on them to make predictions for more effective bets. Even in a slow-paced game like cricket, many events can happen in short periods. To make a quick express bet, it is common to use bookmakers’ apps on mobile devices. These tools have become very popular, as evidenced by sports-related informational websites. If you visit this website, which ranks at the top among similar resources, you can find a lot of cricket betting apps. With their help, you can place a bet in just a few seconds. And the jazz players who are used to improvisation will do better.
In contrast, classical pianists focus more on movement accuracy and correct finger placement. They consider it essential to follow the notes and reproduce the piece exactly as the composer intended. Their brains focus on technique and movement control rather than spontaneity.
Researchers have concluded that the style of music shapes musicians’ skills. Jazz teaches flexibility and quick adaptation, while classical teaches precision and attention to detail. This study shows how music affects emotions and trains the brain differently depending on the style.