President Harry S. Truman claimed to have practiced his piano lessons for two hours every morning during his childhood. Likewise, President Warren Harding was said to be able to play every instrument except the trombone and the clarinet. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) played the organ. Of course, we all remember President Clinton and his saxophone, but did you know that President Nixon was an accomplished pianist?

The list goes on, but the real question is why do people with musical training tend to achieve more in life? There are a few differing theories about that, but studies have shown a direct correlation between music and the brain's ability to adapt to the world around it.

One such test showed that people who had listened to just ten minutes of Mozart's "Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major" and then took a spatio-temporal reasoning test (which is a part of a standardized intelligence test) scored 48% higher than the control group while a second study done at the University of California, Irvine on what has been called the "Mozart Effect" shows a increased IQ score of nine points.

Studying music teaches discipline and the relationship between hard work and reward, and there is little in life more rewarding than to hear beautiful music as a result of your own effort.

President Gerald Ford stated that: "Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them; a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music." (From Duane Shinn, Bio below)

There are many famous Presidents and other famous figures in history who played musical instruments and chose to pursue a career in politics. Here are some familiar names:

• John Quincy Adams (1767 - 1848) - The sixth president of the United States noted for formulating the Monroe Doctrine. He played the flute.
• Chester Alan Arthur (1829 - 1886)- He became the 21st president of the United States after the assassination of President James A. Garfield. Arthur supported the Pendleton Civil Service Act. He played the banjo.
• Bill Clinton (born August 19, 1946) - The 42nd president of the United States who was impeached in 1998 but was then acquitted on February 1999 by the Senate. He plays the saxophone.
• Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790) - American diplomat who helped draft the Declaration of Independence. He possessed many talents and is known as the inventor of the wood-burning stove. Franklin also played different musical instruments--among them are the guitar and violin.
• Mahatma Gandhi (1869 – 1948) - Leader of India's Nationalist movement known for his peaceful and nonviolent ways of resolving conflicts. He played the concertina.
• Sir Edward Heath (1916 - 2005) - Served as British Prime Minister from 1970 to 1974. He was an organist and conductor and in 1971, he conducted the London Symphony Orchestra.
• Patrick Henry (1736 - 1799) - American orator best known for saying "give me liberty or give me death" on a speech he gave in 1775. He was the first governor of Virginia and played the flute and fiddle.
• Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826) - Third president of the United States and drafted the Declaration of Independence and is noted for his role on the Louisiana Purchase. He played the cello, clavichord and violin.
• Richard Nixon (1913 - 1994) - The 37th president of the United States, who resigned from office in the aftermath of the Watergate Scandal. He played the piano and accordion.
• Ross Perot (born June 27, 1930) - Millionaire and independent candidate for U.S. President in 1992 and again in 1996. He plays the accordion.
• Condeleeza Rice (born November 14, 1954) - Served as U.S. National Security Advisor from 2001 to 2005 and became the 66th U.S. Secretary of State. Earlier in her career, she wanted to become a concert pianist before pursuing a degree in international relations and economics.
• Harry Truman (1884 - 1972) - The 33rd president of the United States who served during the conclusion of World War II. He played the piano.
• Woodrow Wilson (1856 - 1924) - The 28th president of the United States and creator of the League of Nations. He played the violin.
(From About.com)

Playing an instrument has been scientifically proven to improve focus, discipline, and study habits. It also acts as an outlet for creativity and stress release. There are many social benefits derived from playing an instrument. Being part of a band or orchestra provides camaraderie and teaches how to function as part of a group.

Can playing an instrument guarantee you an elected position? Maybe not, but it might just put you on the road to a very successful career!

Duane Shinn is the author of over 500 music books and products. He holds advanced degrees from Southern Oregon University and was the founder of Piano University in Southern Oregon. He can be reached at http://www.chordpiano.com.