Why Musical IQ Soars After 30

In today's video, I discuss a theory I have about how changes in the brain through aging affect a musicians ability to write and improvise music.

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[GaryBradleymusic]

I'm a psychologist. There are two general creative periods, before 30 and after 60. At these times, there are fewer demands and better condition for promoting creative focus and development. The dip is generally because of demands for career financial and family stability. It's not really about intelligence. It's more about personal agency, motivation, and values. Aquired knowledge leads to the experienced mindset. PS. the prefrontal cortex is found to be less active in jazz improv to reduce executive control and permit flow in the default mode network. In sum, creativity will flourish at any age if the opportunity, support, resources, and motivation are there!!! Be careful of cherry-picking psychology. It's far more complex than most people realise. A good effort, nonetheless!

[jwt]

I was going to leave a thought but at my age I can not think of any

[shrimptastic-life]

Wonderful topic!

Three counterpoints:
1. Rock stars are most marketable in their 20s.
2. The Beatles were the sum talent of 5 individuals, including George Martin. No way any of them could match that by themselves.
3. Can't remember the 3rd point I wanted to make because I'm old.

[David-qdff]

It’s not just creativity. When I was in my 20’s I was a machine. Couldn’t do or perform hard enough to stop me. Now approaching 60, I feel somewhat like the thing that is the last item at a garage sale. I am learning new things still today and have shifted my passions to new avenues. Retiring in one year and will focus on the new chapter. But I will never be that unstoppable stud from days gone by. I don’t feel bad about it, it’s a new phase of my life. I do so love seeing the new young studs perform at their peak. Makes me nostalgic and gives me so much joy.

[prscustom]

My 20’s were miserable. I’m 43 now, and i finally feel like I can live my life

[Rosario_Verano]

In terms of music, I also think it's complacency. They have made it. Millions of records sold, tons of money. The hunger is not as big as it was.

[TheVagolfer]

I produced four albums with my band in my fifties and have written and published four novels since I turned 60. Creativity is always there for everyone, don't ever stop living.

[AWM]

Hello Mr Beato. Very interesting subject. I'm 51 years old and have been creating music since I was 15. And what strikes me the most today is that I'm not really exited by what i created before 40. It's only the tracks I created after 40 that really move me. The reason? I know myself much better and I have an easier time recognizing “the good vibe” (for me). I'm talking about the one who makes me vibrate internally and who is in affinity with my own person. Before, I was too influenced by others. Other people's ears are not mine, and vice versa. This is just based on my own experience. Of course this can be different for everyone, especially people who lose a lot of physical fitness as they age. On that note, thank you for sharing my friend and have a nice day!

[Man_The_Machines]

Creativity doesn’t fade…passion does. Also to be peak creative..the state of mind must be care free which comes easy in your 20s.

[NelsonMontana]

A few things to consider. Everyone has their vital period. Once you've done a body of work, there is a limit. AND...the industry tends to promote young people. But that's not necessarily age related. Beethoven was a late bloomer. Bonnie Raitt got her first hit at 40. Coltrane was in his 30's when he blossomed. Wes Montgomery too. Tom Sholtz didn't start playing guitar until he was in college. I'm sure there are many more but nobody wants to pay attention to old people. Older people tend to be less ambitious as well. Younger people can take more risks, which gives them a better chance at success and recognition. Personally, I did my best work later in life. Everything -- my writing, my playing, my arranging are much better at 60 than they were at 30.

[jaimefrenchofficial]

I just started perusing music and recording in Nashville at 35 after believing for my whole life that I could sing but couldn’t write songs. Something happened in the last year or so where this music came to me out of thin air. I’ve had the amazing pleasure of recording with Tom Bukovac (a friend of Rick’s) and I’ve never been more proud of anything in my life. Don’t feel discouraged if you’re over 30, just remember to continue to challenge yourself.

[asdflkjasdlfkjsdlfkj]

In classical music, Johannes Brahms was in his 40s by the time he wrote his first symphony; he is considered one of Germany's greatest composers. Sir Edward Elgar was in his 50s when he too wrote his first symphony. Jean-Philippe Rameau was in his forties when he penned his first opera; a bust statue in the foyer of Paris's Opera Garnier exists today in honor of his late-in-life achievements.

[sideman]

You have a point Rick. But, I just want to add that I’m 69 years old. I’ve been playing guitar and bass professionally since I was 18. Everything from Rock and R&B to Country and Folk. I was Arlo Guthrie’s guitar player off and on for 40 years until he retired. I had a gig last night where I was in that “zone” that we all love when it happens. It was like the ideas were coming through me from somewhere else. I just had to stand aside and let it happen. I’m not sure what kind of thinking you would call that, I’m just happy that it still happens at this ripe “old” age.
I love your channel…..

[ectoplasma]

Creativity is also connected to your inner child/playfulness.Keep that alive.

[greggacek]

Rick, being 75, I just read a book titled- From Success to Success. And it covers the exact topic you're talking about. With both fluid and crystalized intelligence being discussed. The book gives great encouragement to guys like me. Life and creativity isn't over at 75, it's just different and can still be embraced.

[MaximDL]

Talent and working for your dreams has no age limit .

[periel]

I think when people are young, everything is new to them, they’re also figuring out their world view and their passion and enthusiasm is at peak levels. They also tend to have less responsibilities so it frees their mind up more.

[Defmusicman]

I’m a deaf musician that didn’t start playing music until later in life. I started lessons from scratch at 45 and now, at 65, I’m starting to hit my peak. My reflexes may have slowed down a bit but my ability to learn and absorb new songs has increased significantly so I’m gonna ride that wave for as long as I can. As for creativity, I’ve barely scratched the surface. Rock On!

[justcomment]

Ironically a big part of why The Beatles albums sounded so good was because of someone over 30

[MCJRebelNova]

Great video. With my 30s in the rearview, I'm thinking of saving my musical masterpiece for my 60s—watch out world, the encore's gonna be epic!