Can Reading Music Really Sharpen Your Mind? I Tried Duolingo Music and Here’s What I Found

In today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world, we are all looking for ways to keep our minds sharp.

But what if I told you that something as simple as reading music could provide cognitive benefits that go beyond just playing an instrument?

I decided to test out Duolingo Music, a language-learning app that applies the methods of language acquisition to learning to read music, to see if daily note reading could train my brain in the same way learning a new language does.

The Experiment

Duolingo Music is not just about learning how to play an instrument or understanding music theory; it is about learning to read music.

The app presents music notes in a similar way to how Duolingo teaches foreign languages, helping users associate symbols with sounds, rhythms, and melodies through quick, daily practice.

After using the app for a few weeks, I felt a noticeable improvement in my ability to read sheet music quickly.

The exercises were simple but effective, reinforcing the connections between musical notation and sound. However, I wanted to dive deeper into whether this daily practice really had cognitive benefits.

Expert Opinions

To get a better understanding of the mental effects of reading music, I spoke to several professionals in the music and psychology fields.

Classical Pianist & Violinist Insights

I first reached out to two seasoned musicians: a classical pianist and a violinist, both of whom practice daily.

They both agree that reading music consistently enhances cognitive function, particularly in areas such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving.

“The more you practice reading music, the better you get at interpreting patterns, much like you would in any complex task,” said the pianist Maxwell Otieno.

“It’s not just about playing; it's about understanding and retaining complex information quickly.”

Peter Mwangi theviolinist added, “Reading music involves multi-tasking, you’re not only interpreting notes but also thinking about rhythm, dynamics, and phrasing. It’s a great mental workout.”

Psychologist’s Perspective

I also spoke to a psychologist specializing in cognitive development.

Dr. Emily Wairimu Johnson explained that learning to read music is a form of cognitive training that stimulates several areas of the brain.

“Studies have shown that musicians, especially those who read and practice sheet music regularly, tend to have stronger memory recall, better attention span, and improved spatial-temporal skills,” she said.

“When you read music, you're engaging the brain in a way that involves visual recognition, auditory processing, and motor coordination, all at the same time.”

She added that the neuroplasticity created by learning a new skill like music reading could have long-term benefits, potentially even reducing the risk of cognitive decline as we age.

In addition to musicians and psychologists, I interviewed a music teacher, who explained the more practical side of music reading.

“Reading music daily helps students develop discipline, patience, and focus,” she said.

“In fact, many studies show that students who study music tend to perform better academically overall. The skills gained from reading music, such as pattern recognition, attention to detail, and memory, often translate into improved learning in other areas.”

While Duolingo Music offers a fun, low-pressure way to start reading music, the real benefits seem to come from making it a regular practice.

Experts agree that daily music reading can sharpen your mind by improving memory, concentration, and cognitive flexibility.

As someone who tried it firsthand, I can confidently say that not only does it feel rewarding, but it also engages the brain in ways that are both challenging and enjoyable.

So, whether you are looking to enhance your brainpower or just explore the world of music, it seems that picking up a new set of notes might be just what you need to stay sharp.