Music is an important factor in academic achievement and future success.

From Condoleeza Rice to Alan Greenspan, top achievers all seem to have learned to play a musical instrument.

Multiple studies link music study to academic achievement. But what is it about serious music training that seems to correlate with outsize success in other fields?

The connection isn’t a coincidence.  A recent NY Times article put the question to top-flight professionals in industries from tech to finance to media, all of whom had serious (if often little-known) past lives as musicians. Almost all made a connection between their music training and their professional achievements.

One of the key factors that music imparts is the ability to think creatively. Creative problem solving is one thing but just allowing your mind to flow with a creative rhythm. Those that have never played an instrument have a hard time really understanding that state of mind. Having never learned an instrument makes it hard to get tot that state.

Read the full article on NYtimes.com