There isn’t a music centre in the brain, the brain is the music centre

Music LearningNeural Development
Written By Lea Faes

We used to think that there was a centre for every major processing task, like language or maths. We know who that there are both centres for processing as well as a complex set of interlinking and overlapping networks that contribute to the processing of information.

To process music our brains need to recruit a large number of areas to take the music apart, understand and put it back together in less than a second. Prof Levitin is right, it is endlessly intriguing.

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Music learning is the most effective way, both in terms of time and impact, to prime the brain for language learning.

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This article delves into the transformative impact of music education, particularly for underserved students, and a strategic tool for addressing academic challenges, boosting attendance, language skills, and social integration.

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The field of neuromusical research has reached a new stage – large data-driven studies that are seeking to understand the overall effect of music learning on cognitive development and academic achievement.

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The 2024 Celebrate to Advocate Calendar is your go-to guide for making advocacy effortless this year!

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Research Bites make it effortless for your community to grasp the advantages of music education. They are the perfect addition to your emails, on your social media or in your e-newsletters!

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Social psychology author, Brene Brown, uses the term Art Scars, which are experiences people have had as children in the arts that are deeply affecting. Art Scars might just be the hidden influence impacting your music learning advocacy.

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Professor Sarah Wilson explains how singing is a form of natural therapy in this video by ABC Classic. She highlights the effect that singing has on motor networks, listening networks, planning and organisational networks, memory, language, and emotional networks. Essentially, singing is a full workout for the brain!

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Music as Pain Relief
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New research suggests that playing instruments and singing may support brain health as we age. A study found that engaging in musical activities, especially playing keyboard instruments, correlates with improved memory and cognitive function later in life.

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Lea Faes
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