Listening to Mozart Makes You Smarter

In 1993 researchers from the University of Wisconsin and UC Irvine discoved that listening to a Mozart Sonata increased IQ. This idea called the "Mozart Effect" has been confirmed by various studies around the world.

The study suggested that IQ rises 8 to 9 points when listening to Mozart compared to silence. Other studies have suggested improved test scores after listening to Mozart Piano Concertos. Why does this occur?

One reason is that classical music is generally very relaxing. Once the brain and body is relaxed, it is more receptive to new input. Classical music as opposed to silence or rock, hip hop or other popular music creates an environment that is conducive to cerebral activities.

Mozart and other classical music is full of a variety of precise and complex patterns of sounds, that are harmonically and mathematically in tune compared to other types of music. Ever hear a karaoke singer sing a song so out of tune and rhythmically out of place that it is simply annoying? Mozart presents the opposite with intricate harmonies and precise rhythms that stimulate brain activity.

Not all pieces of classical music are relaxing or create an environment for better cognitive abilities. However, compared to other genres of music, classical music has shown the most potential for increasing IQ.

Most classical music is "easy" to listen to, so much that it is sometimes considered "boring" compared to popular music. However, compared to other forms of popular music, it is less distracting. Therefore it helps improve focus while doing other activities.

It has been rumored that even the famed Rock n Roll Hall of Fame super group the Rolling Stones and Mick Jagger have listened to Mozart together as a group before going on stage at their concerts.

Anecdotal evidence has shown that playing classical music to plants increases the speed and development of plant growth, and that playing classical music to babies increases the reasoning skills of the child.

From a musician and musical performers viewpoint, Mozart and classical music in general is one of the most demanding and unforgiving types of music to perform. It demands full attention, expression, precision and ability, along with a connection to the music and to one's instrument unlike any other music. To perform Mozart and classical music professionally requires the utmost in musical ability and experience. This could explain why listening to Mozart helps increase our cognitive abilities. The music itself is "smarter" so it causes the listener to be smarter as well.