In what ways does music affect cognitive abilities?
For many years it has been believed music has an ability to affect, develop and improve multiple cognitive abilities and brain functions. Modern forms of technology such as comprehensive brain scanning has allowed for such a theory to be tested and studied providing the information needed to understand the ways in which music affects cognitive abilities. Multiple types of sources have been gathered to develop understanding of the affect of music on cognitive abilities. It has been determined that training in music develops multiple cognitive abilities. The ways in which different types of music instruction affect specific cognitive abilities have been uncovered. It has also become evident …show more content…
This implies the significant impact music has on the brain, leading to development across all areas as the brain engages in a full workout. TED-Ed (2014) argues “…that while listening to music engages the brain in some pretty interesting activities, playing music is the brain’s equivalent of a full body workout”. This explicitly states the extent of activation in the brain upon music playing. TED-Ed then goes on to state “The neuroscientists saw multiple areas of the brain light up, simultaneously processing information in intricate, interrelated and astonishingly fast sequences. Playing a musical instrument engages practically every area of the brain at once, especially the visual, auditory and motor cortices.” This confirms that every area of the brain is activated whilst playing music. Specific mention of the visual, auditory and motor cortices indicates development in those areas, which was confirmed in multiple sources, and Key Finding 1. TED-Ed concludes with “…as with any other work out, disciplined, structured practice in playing music strengthens those brain functions, allowing us to apply that strength to other activities.” This indicates that repetition of playing music can strengthen brain functions, making use of these functions applicable to any real life scenario. Bergland (2013) supports this, arguing “Musical training increases brain volume and strengthens communication between brain areas.” His statement supports the claim, stating communication between brain areas is strengthened. Foley (2016) again supports this, addressing the idea of strengthening the memory function through repetitive playing of music. Foley states “Students who learn an instrument tend to retain information more readily because in effect, they have 2 lessons per week (one with me and one with their instrumental teacher), I actually believe this dual approach is a
For many years it has been believed music has an ability to affect, develop and improve multiple cognitive abilities and brain functions. Modern forms of technology such as comprehensive brain scanning has allowed for such a theory to be tested and studied providing the information needed to understand the ways in which music affects cognitive abilities. Multiple types of sources have been gathered to develop understanding of the affect of music on cognitive abilities. It has been determined that training in music develops multiple cognitive abilities. The ways in which different types of music instruction affect specific cognitive abilities have been uncovered. It has also become evident …show more content…
This implies the significant impact music has on the brain, leading to development across all areas as the brain engages in a full workout. TED-Ed (2014) argues “…that while listening to music engages the brain in some pretty interesting activities, playing music is the brain’s equivalent of a full body workout”. This explicitly states the extent of activation in the brain upon music playing. TED-Ed then goes on to state “The neuroscientists saw multiple areas of the brain light up, simultaneously processing information in intricate, interrelated and astonishingly fast sequences. Playing a musical instrument engages practically every area of the brain at once, especially the visual, auditory and motor cortices.” This confirms that every area of the brain is activated whilst playing music. Specific mention of the visual, auditory and motor cortices indicates development in those areas, which was confirmed in multiple sources, and Key Finding 1. TED-Ed concludes with “…as with any other work out, disciplined, structured practice in playing music strengthens those brain functions, allowing us to apply that strength to other activities.” This indicates that repetition of playing music can strengthen brain functions, making use of these functions applicable to any real life scenario. Bergland (2013) supports this, arguing “Musical training increases brain volume and strengthens communication between brain areas.” His statement supports the claim, stating communication between brain areas is strengthened. Foley (2016) again supports this, addressing the idea of strengthening the memory function through repetitive playing of music. Foley states “Students who learn an instrument tend to retain information more readily because in effect, they have 2 lessons per week (one with me and one with their instrumental teacher), I actually believe this dual approach is a