We’ve all heard that expression “use it or lose it”. Like most “sayings” the reason they are so persistent and withstand the test of time is because they are ultimately true, even though we often hate to admit it! Nowhere does this particular saying apply more than to a skill or ability like playing a musical instrument. In some respects, playing a musical instrument is like learning to ride a bike. If you played the piano or other musical instrument as a youth, there are certain things you will always be able to remember about your instrument: a favorite recital piece or at least sections of it, a few scales or exercises and the like. Unfortunately, the longer we go without at least “touching bases” by practicing these skills the longer it will take us to get back whatever we had to begin with. In other words, although we may remember how a particular tune is supposed to go- we can no longer recreate it the way we used to. There is a “disconnect” between our brains and our fingers…Are we incapable and just have to chalk it up to old age? To a certain extent, depending on your particular overall state of mental and physical health this may be the case. However, in the overwhelming majority of people, especially those over 55, it is most certainly possible to regain every bit of the skill level you possessed as a youth and possibly surpass it!  Think of this in terms of pathways.  The neural pathways and connections that were blazed in our brains during our learning years have become “overgrown” just like a real world path would if left untraveled and unused. By rediscovering these little used pathways and “travelling” them anew, we “clear” the pathway and it becomes fresh again. This could happen after one time or maybe not until after a hundred times. The important thing is that brain scientists have proved that this is indeed what happens if we choose for it to happen. For further information on the fascinating subject of brain neuroplasticity, get a copy of the DVD-The Brain Fitness Program , A PBS special that aired recently. Please visit my website at Your Place Or Mine Music.

Here’s to your great playing…Marty