Fascinating article! Thanks for sharing. I am an avid music listener that listens to music probably several hours a day. I'm glad to know it might make me smarter through a full sensory workout. It really helps me clear my head and get into the mood for certain events or activities. 

I know music always helps me concentrate and changes my mood when I need to get motivated!

This is a good article, and the results of such studies are not surprising. When I'm working on something creative (writing, making presentations, etc.), I literally have to have music playing or else I can't concentrate on what I'm doing. My mind wanders and I have no focus. Music gets the creative juices flowing and the mind starts clicking. It's amazing how that works.

I do believe music helps young children develop and become smarter.  The younger you can start a child on a musical instrument, the better. Play music in the womb, and start them in a class at 2 or 3 years old. Kids brains are like sponges when they are young, so they can absorb naturally and pick up learning in a fun atmosphere.  That’s why Baby Einstein/Baby Mozart are so popular with parents.  Children are learning basic counting with rhythm, and clapping/and moving to the beat. 

Music can really change my whole mood, bring up a memory, push me through a workout or make a girls night the most fun ever. I'd even listen to it while I'm working or in the shower. I don't do silence very well. I did play instruments when was younger but listening to all different kinds of music really is therapy for me. Great article.

@goingsteady23, I started learning how to play music at 33, and never looked back. I picked a Ukulele, because it was the easiest instrument to start playing.

I'm learning piano now (pads actually). It's definitely challenging, and very rewarding at the same time. Best of luck on your musical journey.

Music for me has always been something I use to clear my head, music makes everything better. When I'm doing something I don't like, like cleaning or paperwork, music helps me get it done faster and makes it more fun.

I'm currently 30 years old and attempting (emphasis on attempting) to learn the piano myself. This was before I learned about all of the benefits of doing so, which include, making me smarter, improving multisensory feedback, sensory workout, and delay aging or Alzheimers. I haven't personally seen these improvements thus far, but I don't doubt them. I think once I get into the habit of playing for a few months, I'll have to reevaluate at that point.