They have a rare, innate ability to problem-solve and change those around them.

If you are a drummer, you’ve probably heard a joke or two about your kind’s intelligence level. You’ve put up with being called a dummy for far too long but thankfully we’re here to clear your name. Prof. Frederic Ullen, from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm concluded that the brain activity of an individual who can keep a steady beat could improve intelligence (click Here for the story). During the study researchers had volunteer drummers play a variety of different beats, then gave them a simple 60-problem intelligence test. At the end of the testing, they found that drummers with the highest score were also better at keeping a steady beat.

In another study on rhythm and the brain, researchers also identified that a drummers intelligence can be transferred to others and by experiencing a steady rhythm cognitive functions actually increase.  One researcher from the University of Washington used rhythmic light and sound therapy on his students which increased their grades, and another focused on smaller children with ADD which showed that the therapy had similar effects as Ritalin which allowed the boys to score higher on their IQ tests.

So if you are a drummer and are feeling a bit down because your band buddies think you’re a dummy, well today is your day. Hold your head up high knowing that you are actually making everyone around you smarter and more capable of thinking intelligently because of your awesome drum solos.  Keep banging those drums!!

John Bonham “Moby Dick” – Genius status confirmed!

Some fun jokes about drummers (that obviously aren’t true).

How do you tell if the stage is level?
The drummer is drooling from both sides of his mouth.

How can you tell a drummer’s at the door?
The knocking speeds up.

What’s the last thing a drummer says in a band?
“Hey, how about we try one of my songs?”

To read more about the subject here are a few links to keep you busy:

Feeling the beat: Symposium explores the therapeutic effects of rhythmic music – Stanford News
When the Beat Goes Off – Harvard Gazette