We all know that listening to music yields all sorts of benefits for both our bodies and our minds. Listening to music, in particular, affects our mental health in a plethora of ways, such as alleviating depression, increasing positive emotions, and even increasing our focus. A quick survey of many high achievers in history gestures toward the association of music and mental acumen: Alan Greenspan, the former Chairman of the Federal Reserve was a professional clarinet and saxophone player. The hedge fund billionaire Bruce Kovner was a pianist who took classes at Juilliard, and Condoleezza Rice studied to be a concert pianist. Beyond the obvious, however, music has several effects on our mental health that may surprise you. Read on to learn three mental facts about music that you probably didn’t know.

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