Music and Our Brain

 

The neuroscience of music is a field of study where neuroscientists investigate the relationship between music and our brain. And past research has proven that having music by our side positively affects our daily life. This article will highlight the benefits of music, specifically to students. 

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Using machines such as Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanners, neurologists were able to observe how the human brain reacts in real-time while performing different activities. The brain functions in specific areas as people read or solve math problems. But when people listened to music, the whole brain lighted up. As people listened to music, they took apart the sound, processed individual melodies and rhythm, then mashed it all up to enjoy the whole piece again. 

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Music listeners displayed some impressive brain activities, but music performers were on a different level. As musicians played their instruments, the whole brain lighted up, working simultaneously and quickly to perform. Music performance stimulates the entire brain, especially the visual, auditory, and motor cortices. Continuously playing music will strengthen these brain functions, which will allow people to perform better in other activities. 

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The critical difference between listeners and players is that musicians use motor cortices, which involve both left and right brain. Because music performance simultaneously trains both left and right brain, people can find solutions more effectively in both academic and social problems. 

 

As students grow up, they will encounter academic and social settings. Playing an instrument can help these kids breakthrough problems more efficiently. I started playing music as a 2nd grader, and it—at the least—made my life fuller and enjoyable.  

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Written by Eric Lee