[TPIN] What does your brain do when you're playing?

[Graeme Beckett]

Hi All

I've often thought about this too and would like to add my bit (donning
fire-proof suit!):
1.  I believe the brain controls the body, and allocates "control units"
(call it "neuron units") to every skill, including motor skills, like
walking, and the physical aspects of blowing the trumpet.  In time we do
these things "without thinking" i.e. without making a conscious effort.  As
we practice to acquire improved technical skills (range, flexibility,
multiple tonguing, tongue/finger co-ordination, sense of pitch,  etc.) which
is a combination of "neuron unit" control and physiological conditioning
(which I estimate is something like an 80/20 ratio).
2.  Then a 2nd layer of the brain is in play, which involve calculations (of
sorts) like converting music notation to music (or memory) and perhaps
transposing music.
3.  Finally a third layer is also in play, possibly a right brain function
of creativity, by controlling the first two layers in a manner that creates
music above and more than just mere notes, within the realm of beauty,
expression, art.  Maybe those with the ability to extemporise music have
this layer much more highly developed than others.

When acquiring a new skill (like mastering an accounting software program)
there is a "re-arranging" or "re-allocation" of "neuron units" to integrate
that skill within the general environment of my person.  At the final stages
of this process, I often experience strange things like weird dreams as if
using the newly acquired skill for something totally unrelated like driving
a car!  I accept this as a natural process of the brain integrating the "new
skill" into "my person".

I have often wondered if one can do a perfect brain transplant - say Arturo
Zanderval's brain into my son's body (who doesn't play the trumpet).
Assuming all the nerves are connected up.  How long would it take my son to
scream up there and play such incredible music.  I suspect not very long.

Bracing myself!

Graeme Beckett