The effect of amateur piano playing on memory performance: A focus on Chinese piano players

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of regular piano playing on memory performance, specifically examining whether Chinese pianists exhibit superior memory abilities compared to non-pianists. A total of 400 volunteers from Beijing were divided into two groups based on their piano-playing experience. Memory performance was assessed using the Immediate Memory Index (IMI) and Delayed Memory Index (DMI) from the Wechsler Memory Scale – 4th Edition (WMS-IV). Independent samples t-tests revealed significant differences between the two groups, with pianists scoring higher on both IMI and DMI (p ≤ 0.05). The regression analysis showed that piano playing experience significantly improves immediate memory performance, with no substantial impact from education, age, or gender. Similarly, for delayed memory, piano playing experience was a strong positive predictor, while education, age, and gender did not significantly influence the outcomes. These results suggest that musical training, particularly piano playing, is associated with enhanced immediate and delayed memory capabilities. The study underscores the cognitive benefits of musical education, emphasizing its potential role in memory enhancement. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the positive influence of music on cognitive functions and offer practical applications for educational and cognitive health strategies.