It was pleasant to come across this news this morning from Live Science, and just from my life experience, I believe it to be true. Music is a dynamic force in our lives. Read this complete article about the influence of music on our intelligence.
Scientists have uncovered the first concrete evidence that playing music can significantly enhance the brain and sharpen hearing for all kinds of sounds, including speech.
“Experience with music appears to help with many other things in life, potentially transferring to activities like reading or picking up nuances in tones of voices or hearing sounds in a noisy classroom better,” researcher Nina Kraus, a neuroscientist at Northwestern University, told LiveScience.
These new findings highlight the importance of music classes, she said.
“Music classes are often among the first to be cut when school budgets get tight,” Kraus said. “That’s a mistake.”
11 responses so far ↓
helenl // March 20, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Yes, the arts are not fluff as some would have us believe. Music is mathematics for the soul. The arts are what makes “knowing the facts” even matter.
kikikaria // March 20, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Very interesting article. I believe there is truth in this. My brother Johnny, who is a bible quizzing coach to his two sons, uses music to aid them with scripture memorization. He takes a scripture verse or two or three and adds a melody to it. I learned to memorize the states as a child, in alphabetical order through music. I also learned to memorize the books of the bible through music. My husband plays the keyboard at our church, and he too believes that music makes you smarter. Thank you for sharing such an interesting topic.
Wally // March 20, 2007 at 10:14 pm
That’s true. I find it really helpful during times of extreme brain functioning. I don’t know how to explain it but it affects me mentally everytime I listen to music. With the exception of disturbing music and alikes, others are fine and soothing for me.
DulceDiana // March 21, 2007 at 5:16 am
I always thought there was a link. Why did Salomon ask David to play for him? Can you imagine the kinds of pressure of a king? The soothing music brought the calm and ease. (Of course the fact that David was anointed helped!)
Shirley // March 21, 2007 at 9:04 am
Good morning, Helen.
People who have not all studied music don’t fully understand that it is difficult and that math is certainly involved. Of course, there are quite talented people for whom some music comes more easily than to others. But to be an accomplished musician requires discipline…and thinking.
Shirley
Shirley // March 21, 2007 at 9:05 am
Karen, it might be hard to find a person who has not used music to help learn something. Thanks for your comments.
shirley
Shirley // March 21, 2007 at 9:07 am
Wally, I agree there is something absolutely relaxing and stress-relieving about music. Music is dynamic and powerful. Alas, it can also be used as an evil influence.
Thank you for being here and for your comments.
Shirley
Shirley // March 21, 2007 at 9:09 am
DulceDiana, you’ve mentioned a powerful combination: the anointing of God and music. It is amazing what can be accomplished with such a teaming.
Shirley
Jana Allard // March 21, 2007 at 10:51 pm
Bryce just completed a class at university and it was how children learn through music. They wre taught many repetitious songs that elementary students use to learn math, language arts, etc. When I was growing up, most children participated in some sort of art. Now video games have taken over and America is what some call “dumbing down.” I hate to see the arts left out and rejected because I believe in them.
hydralisk // March 22, 2007 at 12:00 pm
I’m surprised this is the first concrete evidence we have of what seems so obvious to all of us.
How the Tinwhistle Helps You Learn Mandarin « Den of Hydralisks // March 22, 2007 at 12:12 pm
[...] (via Shirley Buxton) [...]