The power of music on the brain

The relationship between music, development and emotional stability has attracted considerable research interest. This article describes differences in brain activity between people with and without musical training, and notes that musicians engage both hemispheres while playing.

To explain its argument, the article points to motor activity in both hemispheres during thinking and performance, linking this to greater ease in handling two tasks at once. It also reports higher intelligence scores among musicians, expressed as IQ, and interprets this as supporting a relationship between music education and cognitive development. It presents music, the brain and concentration as closely connected.

The article summarises the proposed effects as follows:

1. The article attributes direct physical effects to music, particularly the regulation of heart rate and metabolism.
2. It describes an increase in creativity.
3. It also describes improved memory over the longer term.
4. The article links music’s proposed stimulating and activating effects to increased blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain while listening.
5. It describes gentle music as calming for hyperactive children and adults.

May music remain part of your life and bring you a sense of peace and well-being.

Duygu Deniz Uşaklıgil
Rekor Sanat – Violin Teacher