NCT06721390 · ACTIVE NOT RECRUITING
Music Improvisation Training on Cognitive Function in Older Adults
This trial is testing whether learning to improvise on the piano helps older adults think more clearly and regulate their own mental processes. Researchers will compare people who take piano improvisation lessons against those who simply listen to music, tracking changes in brain activity and cognitive skills. It is a Phase NA behavioral study, meaning it is evaluating a non-drug training program, not a medication — the research question is whether it works and how.
You may qualify if
- Age 60 and over
- Living independently in the community
- Sufficient visual and hearing acuity (age-related to normal hearing loss, with assistive devices)
- Less than three years of formal music training (as indicated by private music lessons does not include group or ensemble classes) and not currently reading or engaging in music performance
- English fluency rated fairly well to well
- MoCA score of 22-30 or diagnosis of "mild cognitive impairment
- Not currently taking psychoactive medications, antidepressants, or sleep medications that could adversely affect cognitive abilities.
You're excluded if
- Medical diagnosis of dementia (any etiology)
- Inability to move the hands or use all 10 digits (extensive arthritis, neuropathy, missing digits)
- Score \< 22 on MoCA
- Current (but not prior) severe psychiatric disorder, serious medical condition (e.g., stroke, TIA) that would interfere with participation in the study
- Poor English fluency
- Musician or previously trained in jazz improvisation, more than three years of formal music instruction or training and/or currently engaged in musical performance
- Plans to move out of the area within six months
The sponsor's own eligibility wording, lightly reformatted. The study team makes the final eligibility decision — worth discussing with your doctor.
Eligibility criteria as of 2026-06-12