Thursday, November 20, 2008

Muscle Memory

Those of you who play the piano, or some other instrument, will know the meaning of the term muscle memory. For those who don't, I am a witness that it is a real ability. Supposedly, it is in fact an ability of the brain, but what I have experienced does feel more like the muscles.

Let me give you an example of what this term means. Many years ago, I played the piano for our church choir. If I remember correctly, I played for about 5 years. During that time, I learned a lot of different music. Recently, I have been asked to play the piano for our choir again. We are gearing up for christmas, and are planning to sing some of the same music that our choir sang many years ago. Even though these many years have passed away, the music is very familiar to me. Even when I don't remember the actual notes, my hands just have a feel for what is coming next. I agree that it is a function of the brain, but there is also a feel that comes with the memory. Although much time has passed, so that in some ways I am sight reading the music as if it were new to me, still there is the muscle memory that makes it not the same as sight reading.

I'm wondering how else muscle memory is exhibited. Can you think of any other ways besides playing a musical instrument? I did think of fastening a diaper, which, if you have many children, you might do thousands of times in your life. Or how about tying your shoes? What are some other things you can think of that involve muscle memory?

3 comments:

GoodyMom1 said...

dance or other repetitive-athletic activities... not only is muscle memory how i play carols for my students without looking at my hands, but it's also how i remember combinations i learned for shows i performed as far back as middle school.

Amber said...

I was thinking about this the other day, how driving a car becomes so second nature that you really don't devote your whole brain to it once you have learned it. I think also going up the stairs, knowing just how much you have to pick your foot up to make the next step.

PsychDoctor said...

Casting a fly rod...It comes back fast...

Also, they say women are better casters because they have less muscle memory of such things as throwing footballs, and other sport actions that then interfere with learning to cast well...