Continuing from my last blog entry.....Neuroscience can provide some interesting perspective on what is happening in the brain in a "flow" state. Studies have revealed that the neurotransmitter, dopamine, which is responsible for the brain's reward process, plays a crucial role in the ability to achieve flow. When a person is so focused on a task that they lose track of time, and the activity is just difficult enough to provide a challenge, the brain produces more dopamine. This not only helps to heighten the senses to rise to the challenge and accomplish the task, but it also upregulates the "reward" centers of the brain giving us positive reinforcement and feelings of well being.

The states of mind, or brain I should say, are what musicians, artists, and people from all other types of professions, strive for to achieve a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in their life on a day to day basis. I would even venture to say that these experiences are actually what makes us truly happy in life as opposed to money, success or respect from others. For musicians it plays a particularly important role, and it is also very apparent considering the monetary rewards for most musicians are small. Yet their are so many musicians graduating from conservatories and music schools around the country each and every year.

It all comes back to dopamine. Recently studies have shown that dopamine and endorphins are closely linked. Endorphins are essentially naturally produced opiates that help elevate performance, dull pain, and increase drive. Just as runners can get a "runner's high", I believe musicians can also achieve this state. And most strive to do it on a regular basis. After all, the feeling of nailing a passage of music and being on top of your game can be quite addictive. So whether you call it "flow" or increased production of dopamine, this optimal experience is essentially why us musicians keep coming back for more.