Is it true that musicians have a higher chance of entering medical school?
I am a pianist in high school who is interested in becoming a doctor and I would like to know if this is true. #doctor #music #medicine #college
3 answers
Keith’s Answer
One of the cohorts at universities that have high retention rates (i.e., they make it from their Freshman year of college to their Sophomore year) are those in the marching band. Not only are they constantly stimulating their brain via learning, practicing, and playing music (as well as practicing the art of discipline, which is invaluable) but they also are making social connections to those like them (i.e., other students in the marching band). Learning is often a social act and support and encouragement are important to individual success. Thus, while being a musician doesn't increase your chance of academic success, those individuals who are academically successful are often musicians (i.e., there is a correlation between the two).
Israel Tanenbaum
Israel’s Answer
Viviana,
I have heard this claim as well but I have no "scientific" proof that it's true. However, my wife who is an excellent songwriter, arranger and pianist who learned how to play the bass on her own in six weeks (with enough chops to go on a month long tour to Japan) went to medical school. After she finished she never practiced medicine professionally and actually put her own band together, composed & arranged music for her album, and went on to study in MIT and has a masters from Harvard. So I'll dare to say that music expands your possibilities.
Good luck in all your endeavors.
Israel
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Thank you very much!
Viviana
