“Did you hear that?” It's an easy enough question to answer but a complicated function for our brain. We all know to “power up” the brain with exercise, good nutrition and sleep. But would you believe music can not only ‘feed’ the brain but can actually shape the brain? Now that's power! Want a more powerful brain? Keep reading…
MUSIC, AND THE BRAIN’S PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
At their first public conference on “The Musical Brain” at the Royal Institution in London, Professor Michael Thaut showed that through the use of rhythm, we can stimulate the improvement of neurological processing and cortical reorganization in injured brains. “This technique is proving to be more effective than conventional physiotherapy." Professor Thaut reported that the process of learning to play an instrument refines the development of the brain and the entire neurological system.
MUSIC AND THE BRAIN
Psychologist Frances Rauscher of University of California-Irvine says music lessons appear to strengthen the links between brain neurons. There are a number of studies that show a connection between music and the development of the brain.
Dr. Frank Wilson is an assistant clinical professor of neurology at the University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco. He reports that the process of learning to play an instrument refines the development of the brain and the entire neurological system. Dr. Wilson says that he has found through music, people become an active participant in their own physiological development. His research has shown that involvement in music connects and develops the motor systems of the brain in a way that cannot be done by any other activity.
In support of this, Dr. Wilson shared recent data from UCLA brain scan research studies which shows that music more fully involves brain functions (both left and right hemispheres) than any other activities studied. Dr. Wilson feels these findings are so significant that it will lead to a universal understanding in the next century that music is an absolute necessity for the total development of the brain and the individual.
In support of this, Dr. Wilson shared recent data from UCLA brain scan research studies which shows that music more fully involves brain functions (both left and right hemispheres) than any other activities studied. Dr. Wilson feels these findings are so significant that it will lead to a universal understanding in the next century that music is an absolute necessity for the total development of the brain and the individual.
Want a healthy brain? Keep playing music!
Guest contributor Linda Tippett teaches piano, keyboard and music theory. She believes that music is both food for the brain and food for the soul. Book a lesson with Linda and decide for yourself!
Guest contributor Linda Tippett teaches piano, keyboard and music theory. She believes that music is both food for the brain and food for the soul. Book a lesson with Linda and decide for yourself!
I knew there was a reason you took piano lessons!!!
ReplyDeleteLove, Mom
Good Article, but lose the yucky anatomy parts.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt about this! Thanks for spreading the word... AND did you know the Greeks, ya know that ones we base our laws on, spent 1/3 of their studies and efforts on MUSIC.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Music is HUGE!!! There is a reason that the Greeks, ya know the ones we base our laws on, spent 1/3 of their studies/attention towards MUSIC!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt about this! Thanks for spreading the word... AND did you know the Greeks, ya know that ones we base our laws on, spent 1/3 of their studies and efforts on MUSIC.
ReplyDelete