What I found when I scanned the brains of kids creating tunes on the piano
Neuroscience researcher Karen Barrett discusses how improvising music, such as jazz, engages different brain processes compared to playing memorized pieces. The research suggests that creative musical expression can reduce cognitive rigidity.
Why it matters
Understanding the neuroscience of creativity provides insights into brain health, cognitive flexibility, and the benefits of musical education.
Research finds that jazz musicians use different parts of their brain when improvising, compared with playing something they know. pasha999/iStock via Getty Images What I found when I scanned the brains of kids creating tunes on the piano Published: July 29, 2026 8:13am EDT https://theconversation.com/what-i-found-when-i-scanned-the-brains-of-kids-creating-tunes-on-the-piano-287279 https://theconversation.com/what-i-found-when-i-scanned-the-brains-of-kids-creating-tunes-on-the-piano-287279 Link copied Share article Share article
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Research shows that improvisation and creativity are good for the brain. In an episode of the Greater Good Science Center’s “Science of Happiness” podcast , host Shuka Kalantari talked to Karen Barrett about what happens in the brain when people improvise music. Barrett is an assistant professor in the Institute for Health & Aging at the University of California, San Francisco who researches the effects of music on aging and health.
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