Trần Đình Khải

26A4012405

AMERICAN
JOURNAL OF MUSIC
AND PERFORMING
ARTS (AJMPA),

ASSESSMENT OF
THE IMPACT OF
MUSIC ON
HUMAN BRAIN
BY
Monday I. TITUS, Ph.D
Arit O. Atakpa, Ph.D
 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS (AJMPA),
SEPTEMBER 2023

CONCEPT OF HUMAN BRAIN

The human brain is the central organ The brain, our command center, receives
of the human nervous system, and with input from our senses—sight, smell,
the spinal cord makes up the central touch, taste, and hearing—
nervous system. The brain consists of the simultaneously, processing and storing
cerebrum, the brainstem and the this information in memory. It governs
cerebellum. It controls most of the various bodily functions, including
activities of the body, processing, thoughts, memory, speech, and
integrating, and coordinating the movement, as well as the operation of
information it receives from the sense internal organs. Comprising the brain and
organs, and making decisions as to the spinal cord, the central nervous system
instructions sent to the rest of the body. (CNS) orchestrates these functions, while
The brain is contained in, and protected the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
by, the skull bones of the head. consists of spinal and cranial nerves
(Wikipedia 2009). The brain is an branching from them. Additionally, the
amazing three-pound organ that controls brain integrates sensory data to shape
all functions of the body, interprets perceptions, thoughts, and memories,
information from the outside world, and facilitating self-awareness, speech, and
embodies the essence of the mind and mobility. Its four main regions—
soul. Intelligence, creativity, emotion, cerebrum,diencephalon, cerebellum, and
and memory are a few of the many things brain stem—enable conscious control of
governed by the brain. Protected within actions, emotional regulation,
the skull, the brain is composed of the coordination, and the relay of signals for
cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. basic functions and reflexes.
 Benefit of Music for the Brain
Studies have found that even a year or
two of musical training, such as
learning to play an instrument, can
improve both memory and focus in
children. Playing music with other
people might be particularly
influential, according to Laurel
Trainor, who directs the Institute for
Music and the Mind at McMaster
University in Ontario, Canada. Her
research indicates that musical
training seems to modify the brain’s
The power of music reflects the ability to auditory cortex. She suggests that
activate the emotional and reward benefit of playing music in concert with others
the brain, its influence extends beyond its requires a particularly high level of
capacity to integrate multiple brain systems attention and memory, perhaps
in the unified act of music making. This leading to greater effects.
integrative role may endow music with
unique benefits not inherent in other
activities, underscoring its evolutionary
significance. Powerful amongst these is the
ability of music to prime the brain for future
learning, whilst more broadly promoting our
individual and social wellbeing. Music
benefits us by integrating the brain in unique
ways, promoting our personal and social
wellbeing. (Sarah 2013).
Rock and Roll Daycare (2018) Music has a
power that’s practically immeasurable. It
transcends time and language, expresses and Improved Literacy: The way that
influences our emotions, educates and humans process sound is the same
entertains, and so much more. Scientists are way that we process speech. Children
also beginning to understand the impact who take music lessons can enhance
music has on our brains. Essentially, the their listening skills, which can then
effect is massive and it has a particularly improve the way they process
strong influence on the brains of children. language. Studies have found that
Enhanced Memory: Links between music and when children learn to play an
memory are nothing new. It’s been found instrument, they can gain the ability
that singing helps people learn a foreign to hear and process sounds that they
language and that music can help bring back wouldn’t hear without this training.
memories from those suffering with This helps them develop
Alzheimer’s and traumatic brain injuries; “neurophysiological distinction”
there are many more studies with similar between certain sounds. Because the
findings. Recently, scientists have been mechanisms for processing sound
looking at the effects of music on the brains and speech are similar, this can lead
of infants and children. to improve literacy as well.
Better Spatial Reasoning Skills:
Research by psychologist Dr. Frances Rauscher and neuroscientist Gordon Shaw
showed that preschoolers who took music lessons performed better on spatial and
temporal reasoning tasks than preschoolers who took computer lessons instead.
Similar research done by Brigham Young University indicates that engaging infants
with music can have similar results. Classical music has been found to be particularly
beneficial for special reasoning, in children and adults alike. For example, after
listening to classical music adults can do a spatial reasoning task, such as putting a
puzzle together, more quickly. This kind of effect is thought to be possible because
classical music is mathematical and has a more complex structure than other types of
music.

The pathways we use for classical music are

the same pathways we use for spatial
reasoning. However, simply listening to music
—not playing it—only has temporary effects.
Learning to actually play an instrument, on
the other hand, has longer-lasting effects. It’s
been found that children who took piano
lessons for six months improved their ability
to complete puzzles and do other spatial tasks
by as much as 30%. It is believed that musical
instruction creates new pathways in the
brain.

Increased Language Skills:

Some scientists believe that musical
training can also help children learn a
second language. One study suggested that
music instruction could help extend the
period of time that the brain is developing
and processing complex auditory input.
Moreover, it’s known that music training
enhances language-related networks in the
brain and improves children’s ability to
detect subtle differences between sounds,
which can help facilitate accurate
pronunciation. Amazingly, this enhanced
ability to learn another language isn’t
restricted to childhood; studies have found
that adults who had musical training when
they were children are able to learn foreign
languages quicker and more easily than
those who didn’t have musical training in
childhood.
 Language processing: Multiple studies Takako Fujioka, a scientist at the
indicate that the brain processes music and Rotman Research Institute in
language in similar ways, and that music Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and co-
training benefits the development of a author of a study that found
variety of language-related skills, from musically trained children showed
vocabulary building to phoneme processing. greater improvement on memory
The Neurosciences Institute reports that its tests throughout the course of a year
research has “revealed a significant degree of than their non-musically trained
overlap between music and language peers, explains that playing music
processing,” and in a 2005 study, researchers “requires the brain to solve the
at Stanford University found that mastering problems of how to allocate attention
a musical instrument improves the way the and memory toward complex tasks.”
human brain processes parts of spoken
language. The findings suggested that Self-Awareness: Dr. Frank Wilson, a
students who are struggling with language neurologist and an authority on the
and reading skills could especially benefit relationship of hand use to human
from musical training. cognitive development, explains that
the study of music teaches children
to “self-assess,” rather than to rely on
external rewards. While much of our
schooling focuses on grades and
prizes, music can foster an internal
motivation. The precision and
attention required to play an
Memory: The benefits of music training instrument — the instant feedback
appear to extend to memory, too. A study by loop that requires you to adjust your
researchers at The Chinese University of own performance — encourages an
Hong Kong found that children with musical “ongoing surveillance of yourself,”
training showed better verbal memory than Wilson says. “It leads you to become a
their peers. “When these children were critic of your own work, to not be
followed up after a year,” the study’s authors satisfied with anything less than
wrote, “those who had begun or continued achieving what it was you intended
music training demonstrated significant to do.”
verbal memory improvement.” In other
words, memorizing music pieces correlated
with improvements in non-musical memory,
too. The enhancement of working memory in
young adults via music training was further
validated in a 2018 study by researchers at
York University.

The correlation may stem from particular

ways that music “challenges” young minds.
Higher IQs: According to a 2006 study Baedeker (2013) recent research
published in the Journal of Educational underscores how playing an
Psychology, music lessons appear to instrument (sooner than later) bolsters
improve children’s IQ and academic kids' academic, social, and emotional
performance. What’s more, the longer lives. Such cuts to music education are
children study music, the larger the particularly ironic given the growing
effect. This is not the first time this link body of research that underscores how
has been found; it was also found that music engages many of same areas of
six year olds who had a year of voice or the brain involved in language
piano lessons had a larger increase in processing, memory, and other critical
their IQ than another group who thinking skills essential for academic
waited a year for music lessons. success. Music also appears to benefit
kids socially and emotionally.

Academic success: With all the benefits

that music brings to kids’ language,
math, memory and self-assessment, it’s
little surprise that there is a strong
correlation between music and general
academic success. Studies have shown
that students in music programs
scored higher in English and math
than students who had no music at all,
and high school students with music
training scored higher than their
nonmusical peers on the SAT,
according to the College Board. A 1994
survey even found that music majors,
as a group, had the highest acceptance
rate to medical school.
The 2006 study found that for children,
music lessons were positively
correlated with higher school grades
and higher scores on achievement
tests. It also found that musical
instruction was a predictor of higher
IQs in young adulthood as well as
higher high school grades. Music has a
power that’s practically immeasurable.
It transcends time and language,
expresses and influences our emotions,
educates and entertains, and so much
more. Scientists are also beginning to
understand the impact music has on
our brains. Essentially, the effect is
massive and it has a particularly strong
influence on the brains of children.
 Impact of Music on Human Brain
Music is considered as a popular source of
enjoyment as well as a powerful motivation
for the human brain waves. Nowadays, music
can be easily accessed using the internet with
the help of smart phones and other devices.
Music features vary with type and genre of
music and therefore produce different effect
on the brain signals; for example, slow and
quiet classical music can be used for
relaxation (Labbé, Schmidt, Babin, & Pharr,
2007). With the help of advanced techniques
developed for neuro imaging, it is easy to
understand the behavior of brain and the
effect of music on the brain.
The brain is a special structure developed by human beings to adapt to the needs of
survival. Its main task is to collect information about the internal and external
environment of the body, and to process the information specifically to make
decisions and responses that are suitable for the environment and for survival
(Ferreri, & Rodriguez-Fornells, 2017). Music can enhance the interrelationship
between EEG signals in each channel and build a network of brain functions, which
can significantly improve the activity of the brain.
Music of varied kinds consistently triggers a large range of drives and emotions,
which, in turn, induce a particular class of mental experiences known as feelings. The
feelings are often pleasurable, though not necessarily. Neuroimaging and
electrophysiological studies, in normal individuals as well as in patients with focal
neurological lesions, reveal that music can change the state of large-scale neural
systems of the human brain. The changes are not confined to brain sectors related to
auditory and motor processing. The ease with which music leads to feelings, the
predictability with which it does so, the fact that human beings of many cultures
actively seek and consume music, and the evidence that early humans engaged in
music practices lead us to hypothesize that music has long had a consistent relation
to the neural devices of human life regulation. (Habibi, & Damasio, 2014).
Tabernacle Choir Blog (2018) stated that music has been scientifically proven to
have a powerful impact on the brain. Recent research shows that music can help in
many aspects of the brain, including pain reduction, stress relief, memory, and brain
injuries. Scientists have found that music stimulates more parts of the brain than
any other human function also music can aid in the healing and stimulation of the
human brain. Music is a fundamental attribute of the human brain. Virtually all
cultures, from the most primitive to the most advanced, make music. It's been true
through history, and it's true throughout an individual's lifespan. In tune or not, we
humans sing and hum; in time or not, we clap and sway; in step or not, we dance
and bounce. The human brain and nervous system are hard-wired to distinguish
music from noise and to respond to rhythm and repetition, tones and tunes. Is this
a biologic accident? a varied group of studies suggests that music may enhance
human brain and performance.
 Conclusion
The study's conclusion highlights the burgeoning
field exploring the intersection of music and the
human brain. This area, encompassing both
brain science and music psychology, is rapidly
becoming a frontier for scientific exploration. The
research demonstrates that music has a
profound impact on human brain development,
influencing not only cognitive function but also
memory formation and consolidation.
Interestingly, the study goes beyond behavioral
observations, delving into the molecular level to
reveal significant effects of music on memory
enhancement. This deeper understanding adds a
crucial piece to the puzzle, illuminating the
biological mechanisms underlying music's
influence. By shedding light on the value of
music in shaping the human brain, the study
opens doors for further exploration into the
broader potential of human cognitive
development. Ultimately, the research not only
strengthens our understanding of music's
positive influence on the brain but also paves the
way for future investigations into maximizing
human potential through the power of music.

Recommendations

1.Every individual, be it child or

adolescent or adult should make music
part of his life.in order to enhance his
brain functionality.
2.There should be application of music
in every class especially the when
teaching children.
3.There should be regular presentation
of melody to the elderly in order to
help prolong their health and lives.
 Summary
Music deeply affects the growing brain, especially during childhood. It touches
many areas, brings lots of good things that help shape how we think, learn,
connect with others, and handle our feelings.

One big plus of music is how it helps our thinking skills. When we listen to music
or participate in playing it, it boosts different parts of our brain that handle things
like reminding, paying attention, understanding space, and using language. This
happens because when we do music, our brain has to work hard, making new
paths and making the ones we have stronger.

Also, music and doing well in school go hand in hand. Lots of studies show that
kids who do music stuff do better in subjects like English and math. They also do
better on tests that everyone takes. It's even been found that people who study
music, especially those who focus on it in college, have a better chance of getting
into medical school. This shows just how much good music education can do.

And there's more to music than just learning—it's great for making friends and
handling our emotions too. When we make music together, it helps us work as a
team, talk to each other, and get along. Learning music also teaches us important
things like being responsible, believing in ourselves, and figuring out how we're
doing. These things help us feel good about ourselves and deal with our feelings.

Finally, music keeps helping us even when we're all grown up. It can make us feel
happier, ease stress, and keep our brains sharp as we get older. Studies have
shown that music helps us remember things, stay focused, and might even slow
down diseases like Alzheimer's. So, it's clear that music does a lot for us, making
our lives better since we're little all the way through to old age.
 REFLECTION

“Classical music has been found to be particularly beneficial for

special reasoning, in children and adults alike”

Classical music, known for its beautiful melodies and complex

arrangements, turns out to be a brain booster too! Studies have shown
that listening to classical music can be especially helpful for a skill
called "special reasoning" in both children and grown-ups. This skill
helps us understand and work with shapes and objects in space, like
figuring out a puzzle or navigating a new room.

The reason classical music seems to be so good for our brains is because
it's kind of like a workout for them. The complicated melodies and rich
harmonies make our brains work hard to follow along. This keeps our
brains sharp and improves our special reasoning skills. It's like giving
your brain a fun challenge that helps it learn and grow!

This benefit isn't just for kids. Adults can also enjoy a boost in their
special reasoning skills by listening to classical music. Whether you're
young or old, putting on some classical music can be a great way to keep
your brain healthy and sharp. So next time you're looking for a way to
challenge your mind, turn on some classical music and see what your
brain can do!
 WORD BANK

Cerebellum
(Noun)
/ˌserəˈbeləm/
“The part of the brain at the back
of the head that controls the
activity of the muscles”
Eg: Cerebellum is used correctly
as a noun referring to a specific
part of the brain.

Evolutionary
(adjective)
/ˌiːvəˈluːʃənri/
”Connected with evolution;
connected with slow steady
development and change”
Eg: evolutionary theory

Phoneme
(Noun)
/ˈfəʊniːm/
“Any one of the set of smallest units
of speech in a language that make
the difference between one word and
another.”
Eg: In English, the /s/ sound in sip
and the /z/ sound in zip represent
two different phonemes.
 WORD BANK

Massive
(adjective)
/ˈmæsɪv/
“very large, heavy and solid”
Eg: a massive rock

ironic
(adjective)
/aɪˈrɒnɪk/
“showing that you really
mean the opposite of what
you are saying; expressing
irony”
Eg: an ironic comment

preschool
(noun)
/ˈpriskul/
“a school for children
between the ages of about
two and five”
Eg: an ironic comment
 FIND THE WORDS/PHRASES THAT MEAN THE FOLLOWING :
1.The ability to read and write.
L _ _ E_ _C _
2. The powerful effect that something has on somebody/something
_ M _ _ _T
3. Sounds that are arranged in a way that is pleasant or exciting to
listen to.
_U__C
4. The organ inside the head that controls movement, thought,
memory and feeling
B_ _ _N
CHOOSE THE CORRECT ANSWER
1. What part of the brain is responsible for processing music?
A. The amygdala
B. The hippocampus
C. The auditory cortex
D. The frontal lobe
2. How can music help improve memory?
A. By creating a stronger emotional connection to the information
being learned
B. By providing a rhythmic framework that helps to organize
information
C. By reducing stress and anxiety, which can interfere with learning
D. All of the above
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