They say you're either a lover or a fighter, but one professor at the Eastman School of Music says he's found that learning to fight is making his music-loving students into better musicians.

Professor James VanDemark says he found putting on the gloves and training in the ring had a lot in common with his instrument the double bass. Now, the school is on board with the idea teaming up with ROC Boxing & Fitness Center on Atlantic Avenue.

They are training 20 double bass students for increased stamina and better bow control.

"Everything in boxing is timing," said VanDemark. "Everything in boxing is rhythm and the way we learn an instrument and develop our skills is through this same sort of timing and the same sort of rhythmic drills. So, this is just perfect to develop a kind of life long on the instrument and also maintain yourself in good shape."

Professor VanDemark says the Eastman School of Music is looking to expand the program to include students of all instruments.