How musical practice can affect cognitive development among people?
People who practice music have the added benefit of increased positive effects on their brain development. Research has shown that engaging in musical activities and learning to play a musical instrument can have a positive impact on various cognitive functions, particularly in the areas of attention, memory, and executive functions.
But - why is this, exactly?
There are some controversial perceptions regarding music and its origins, whether music came before speech or if speech evolved directly from music. However, music is a universal language that surpasses that of speech since it can be communicated over multiple diverse backgrounds with a common understanding.
So, how can you find out whether or not practicing music changes cognitive development? Even with all of the studies and research done on music and its effects, can you actually assess for yourself the impact that musical learning has on the brain?
There are some ways below to find and see the impact that music and musical practice make on the brain and how it helps with the overall development from a young age.
Scientific Discoveries
Scientists from MIT identified that the brain’s neural pathways react to just hearing music and that it can be any type or form of music that causes this reaction in the brain. Not only did it demonstrate that hearing music causes a response, but the reaction is only in one area of the brain, exclusively.
This finding shows that every person has a specific place within the brain that is alive when music is involved. Because of this, the brain will have elevated functions when someone is listening to music and playing it. Therefore, practicing music requires the use of the brain across multiple areas.
Memory Recall & Attention
Making music created a high level of brain activity that has been linked to academics in ways that involve logic, reasoning, complex problem solving, and conceptual tasks. Playing a musical instrument requires focused attention and concentration. Regular musical practice can enhance the ability to sustain attention and improve selective attention skills, enabling individuals to better focus on specific tasks.
Musical training involves the memorization of musical pieces, notes, and rhythms. This constant exercise of memorization can improve both short-term and long-term memory capabilities. Additionally, learning to read and interpret musical notation requires the development of visual-spatial and auditory memory skills.
Emotions and Feelings
Music is a medium that allows people to express themselves freely and identify emotions. Having the freedom of expression is yet another benefit that musical practice can provide you - the ability to express their own feelings and identify those emotions in others.
Take an assessment to understand the dynamics on the piano, knowing when to make the sound louder or softer, more legato (flowy) or staccato (punched).
You should see that when you understand more about dynamics in musical practice by learning how to play the drums, guitar, or any other instrument. It correlates to how you express your own feelings. The musical practice provides you with a deeper understanding of what feels sad, happy, and other emotions in between. You also utilize your ability to empathize and read others’ feelings in turn.
Math and Language
Another way you can see how the practice of music is incorporated with your cognitive development is through some simple language and math skills. For example, babies typically hear lullabies and have, in turn, been able to develop their language by listening to the sing-song tones of music.
If you have an infant or a very small child, you can use this sing-songy voice in a rhythmic pattern with the same notes daily with a phrase or a couple of musical phrases. See if you notice that your baby eventually can repeat the pattern or phrase back to you after hearing it multiple times. You will be surprised at how quickly they can pick up on those language skills!
Another way you can test math skills with the brain is through some simple logic problems, but practicing music with things like timing, beats, key, and time signatures learned when playing provides a solid mathematical foundation.
Executive Functions
Executive functions refer to a set of cognitive processes responsible for planning, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility. Musical practice involves coordinating multiple cognitive processes simultaneously, such as reading sheet music, interpreting musical symbols, and coordinating fine motor movements. These activities can strengthen executive functions, leading to improved cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities.
Confidence and Social Skills
Another added benefit to musical practice that can be found in people is through building confidence and advanced social skills. Confidence is acquired simply through conquering and achieving a goal. Music provides people with the skills to tackle complex pieces and learn how to read music. With a lot of practice, you become increasingly confident in your abilities. With that confidence, you tend to become more social with others.
You can easily see this in children how they are more willing to tackle or lead in other aspects of their lives, such as making new friends at school or trying out for the school play or a sports team. The positive effects on the brain are that practicing music will help you feel less afraid of trying new things or meeting new people.
Positive Benefits From Practicing Music
Development of skills are essential for anyone, and with musical training, it is clear that they are given many added benefits. In addition, there are other beautiful advantages that music provides, such as improved fine motor functions, elevated mood and less stress, and even an increased ability to appreciate cultures and learn other languages.
It is important to note that the extent of cognitive benefits may vary among individuals, depending on factors such as the duration and intensity of musical practice, the age at which musical training begins, and individual aptitude. Nonetheless, research suggests that musical practice can be a valuable tool for enhancing cognitive development in people of all ages.
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