InnerHealingMusic.com

Archive for October, 2009

As a music teacher myself, I am often asked by parents how to best help guide their child showing musical aptitude, or when to begin music lessons. My reply depends on the resources available, followed by, start as soon as possible.  The benefits of music reach far beyond learning how to sing or play an instrument.  Studying music enhances a child’s success in society, success in school, and success in life. Caring parents value these positive benefits, but the recent studies regarding mental development impact their parental decisions.  The studies show that music training profoundly affects brain development.

With advancements in technology, including PET and MRI scans, researchers literally watch and chart brain activity while a person engages in various tasks.  Researchers quickly discovered that music is one of the very few whole brain activities, engaging all four parts of the brain!  The only other functions that use both hemispheres are higher-level mathematics and logic processing, such as chess.  All other tasks rely on the dominant use of either the left or right brain.  Furthermore, the research shows the brain’s ability to continue to develop with proper stimulation and exercise.  Nothing compares to music education in brain stimulation and development. The plethora of music and brain research articles makes it clear—music education benefits every child.

Why does engaging in music activate the entire brain? A musician’s mind is constantly choosing how fast or slow to play, with what style, rhythm, phrasing, and feeling–training the brain to become incredibly good at organizing while simultaneously controlling finger movement, reading and memorizing.  Thus, a musician conducts numerous mental and physical activities at the same time–training the brain to organize and create multiple mental pathways.

What better way to develop child’s mind than consistent engagement in musical activities?  There is no better way.  Regardless of a child’s natural tendencies for the arts, making music instruction a vital part of their  total development can only enhance their life skills and mental processing.

Until Next Time……Yours in Health and Healing,

Sam