THE NEURON

We all love music isn’t it? Music helps us in many ways. Listening to the music you love makes your brain release more dopamine, a crucial neurotransmitter for humans’ emotional and cognitive functioning.

Science has shown that musical training and function for the better. It can also improve long-term memory and lead to better brain development for those who start at a young age. Musicians tend to be more mentally alert, according to new research from a University of Montreal study.

The effect of music is noteworthy in brain development in young children, particularly in the areas of the brain responsible for processing sound, language development, speech perception and reading skills, according to initial results of a five-year study by USC neuroscientists. The study shows music instruction speeds up the maturation of the auditory pathway in the brain and increases its efficiency.

HOW MUSIC HELPS IN BRAIN DEVELOPMENT?

BUILDING CONFIDENCE

Music helps in building confidence in developing brain. It helps in character building. It can improve self esteem in a child. It increases opportunity to express himself or herself. These things help in development of better decision making skill.

INCREASE IQ

Music lessons appear to improve children’s IQ and academic performance. The longer children study music, the larger the effect. On average children learning music have IQ of 7 points higher than other children.

IMPROVES MEMORY

Singing helps people learn a foreign language and that music can help bring back memories from those suffering with Alzheimer’s and traumatic brain injuries. Recent 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.

IMPROVE LANGUAGE SKILLS

One study suggested that music instruction could help extend the period of time that the brain is developing. 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.

IMPROVE REASONING SKILLS

Classical music has been found to be particularly beneficial for special reasoning, in children and adults alike. 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.

INCREASES COORDINATION

Music instruments increase coordination. It strengthens the bond between two hemispheres. It also helps in better skills. Learning a musical instrument has been considered a ‘superskill’. Previous studies have found evidence of structural and behavioural changes in children learning musical instruments.

MUSIC DECREASE STRESS

Music can have a profound effect on both the emotions and the body.Faster music  makes you alert. Slower tempo quiets your mind and relax your muscles, making you feel soothed while releasing the stress of the day. It also helps in relaxation of developing brain.

TYPES OF MUSIC

The music which has soothing effect on brain is best for brain development. Classical and natural music provide better results. Moreover the music which makes us happy is most effective.

For brain development and to prevent degeneration of brain music is one of the best modality. Music has very good constructive effect on human brain. Learning instruments and music act as booster for brain. Growing children should learn instruments and music.

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#how music helps brain development: by developing several cognitive domains

#how music improves brain function: by Improving grey matter of brain

Reference

Bilhartz TD, Bruhn RA, Olson JE. The effect of early music training on child cognitive development. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology. 1999 Dec 1;20(4):615-36.

Schlaug G, Norton A, Overy K, Winner E. Effects of music training on the child’s brain and cognitive development. Annals-New York Academy of Sciences. 2005 Dec 1;1060:219.

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