So far, classical music is believed to increase intelligence. Because of that, many young mothers listen to classical music to their babies or children. Sometimes even before the baby is born, the baby-to-be is told to listen to classical music by putting headphones on the stomach.

Classical music is not just any music. Music like Mozart's, Copin's, and Schubert's may be very boring for some people who prefer pop or rock songs. But for the connoisseurs, classical melodies are not only intelligent, but also very enjoyable. But the debate is whether listening to classical music can make us smarter? Is it possible to increase IQ just by playing Mozart's songs every day without having to study?

Although it has been believed for decades, it turns out that for scientists this theory is just a myth.

Among other classical music, Mozart's works are the most trusted. It is also believed that buffalo that is played with Mozart's music can produce more milk

Because of the popularity of Mozart's music, the term "The Mozart's effect" was coined in 1991. As reviewed by the BBC, two years later a journal from Nature was published, entitled "Musical and Spatial Task Performance". In this journal, it is explained that Mozart's music can increase intelligence. Not only human babies, there is also an explanation of buffalo that can produce more milk when listening to Mozart's songs.

In 1998, this theory became very popular. Parents are competing to listen to classical music to their children. Even Georgia Governor Zell Miller made state regulations to play classic CDs for babies.

But whether Mozart's music can really increase intelligence, this is still being questioned by many scientists

It has been recognized that Mozart was a genius musician. His works are complex and difficult to study or imitate. One of the supporters of the development of "The Mozart'z effect" is that because Mozart is a genius and his work is also a genius, it is hoped that people who listen to his music will also become geniuses as well. At first glance it sounds reasonable. But can an intelligence and IQ be "reduced" just by listening to the work of a genius?

In one study, it was proven that Mozart's listeners were better at problem solving. Unfortunately, this effect doesn't last forever

When viewed in the original journal, there are many discrepancies between the data and the developed information. First, the journal does not mention Mozart directly. Second, the research subjects were not babies, but 36 adult students. They were divided into three groups before being asked to complete a task.

The first group did not listen to anything, the second group listened to any music, the third group listened to Sonata Mozart piano in D. It turned out that those who listened to Mozart were better at completing tasks related to building space. So listening to Mozart's music makes you smarter? Nope. In the same journal stated that the effect only lasted for 15 minutes.

It's not just classical music that can make you 'smarter'. All kinds of music and hobbies can have the same impact, as long as you enjoy it

Furthermore, many studies have explored the relationship between music and intelligence. It's true that listening to music can improve brain performance, but this effect doesn't last long let alone make us smarter. What is really happening is that music keeps the human brain sensitive and more active. That way the mind is clearer and it is easier for us to process information, predict spatial shapes, and so on. If you pay attention, here the function of music is similar to drinking coffee. Does anyone often feel "smarter" after drinking coffee?

So the point is, music can be a stimulant that makes the brain work better. But it doesn't have to be classical music or Mozart's work, because everyone has a different taste in music. What should be underlined is “fun”. If you can't enjoy classical music, it's useless to listen to it until you get bored. It just depends on which one you like. It doesn't even have to be music, the same effect applies if you read your favorite novel.

If you want to be smart, your business is definitely harder than just installing a music player. One of them is practicing playing a musical instrument

Instead of just listening, playing a musical instrument can have a good impact on our brains. According to Jessica Grahn, a cognitive scientist from Western University in London, says that a year of piano lessons balanced with regular practice can increase IQ by at least 3 points.

Playing a musical instrument is a complex experience because it integrates all sensory performance (hearing, touch, sight, and emotion) in one movement. Studying it can make significant structural changes to the brain. Unlike listening to music which is temporary, this effect can last a lifetime. Not only about intelligence, playing music can also be a healing method for brain trauma. So if you want to be smarter or increase your IQ, don't just listen to music, but try playing a musical instrument.

Listening to classical music or any music as long as you can enjoy it can improve the mood for studying. So basically, to be smarter, it takes effort. If you just listen to music every day without any effort to study and practice? Yes, it's free.