[candre717]

The article said nothing about playing music but rather listening to music. The difference is like saying I can learn through osmosis as opposed to I can learn through deliberate study and practice.

If the article actually compared the benefits of fitness to the benefits of playing music - now that could speak to your question.

[mmuro]

It does:

  What about playing an instrument? Don’t you have to use right and left brain for a stringed instrument?

  Yes. That has clear cognitive functions that do crossover. Especially learning to play and read the music at the same time. But exercise is number one, diet number two and then social interaction. These are the important things for brain function.