Music trains you to think differently

There's a fascinating opinion piece in The New York Times (October 12, 2013) by Joanne Lipman that anyone who loves music should read:  "Is Music the Key to Success?"

After interviewing numerous notable leaders ranging from Alan Greenspan to Woody Allen, she wrote: "Strikingly, many high achievers told me music opened up the pathways to creative thinking.  And their experiences suggest that music training sharpens other qualities:  Collaboration. The ability to listen.  A way of thinking that weaves together disparate ideas. The power to focus on the present and the future simultaneously."

Not bad!  And of course, there are the intrinsic joys of making music with others and enjoying great music as listeners.  

And...hmmm...yes... "Collaboration."  More of our representatives in Congress should have studied music.

This is a good, succinct read -- take a look.  (I don't know what I'd do without The New York Times.)

And see?  A shorter post, less than a week later than my last.  As I write, in just a few hours, Imogen Cooper will take us with her on a journey through Schubert's final three piano sonatas.  Can't wait!