Forget the mad genius composer myth: music is good for the mind

The cliche of the reclusive composer who loses their mind over manuscript is unhelpful. But, says pianist James Rhodes, there is a link between music, creativity and mental health that is both real and beneficial to people's well-being

The mad composer. Note after excruciating note dragged out on to manuscript paper, 2 stone in weight lost while composing his latest opera, bronchial infections from the cold, absinthe on a drip. Mumbling to himself, shouting at strangers, scribbling bar lines on restaurant napkins, sitting at a piano, freezing and alone in a garret with "it doesn't have to be mad to work here but it helps" written on the wall. In his own shit.

It's a cliche as erroneous as it is widespread and it is, forgive me, quite maddening and completely false.