Music with a Purpose Jensen, Chapter 17

Music = universal form of communication Music is felt on our heart rate (pulse) by synchronizing the music we hear It increases muscular energy It increases molecular energy Influences heartbeat Alters metabolism Reduces pain and stress/speeds healing and recovery Relieves fatigue Aids in the release of emotions Stimulates creativity, sensitivity and thinking

The Musical Brain Left Brain Right Brain Harmony and Melody rhythm Analyze the music components Right Brain Melody Entertains The Musical Brain Cerebellum = beat, Spatial

Music and Learning – Research Findings Striking similarities across all age students to the written score of Mozart music Students taking music courses scored 20-40 points higher on standardized college tests Music primes the brain’s neural pathways The pathways for music and the pathways for abstract reasoning are virtually the same Discretion is important in interpreting these results! Class, what fallacies can we find in these results?

Learning Benefits Attributed to Music Relaxation and stress reduction (stress inhibits learning) The fostering of creativity through brain-wave activation The stimulation of imagination and thinking The stimulation of motor skills, speaking, and vocabulary A reduction in discipline problems The focusing and alignment of group energy Vehicle for conscious and subconscious information transmission

Impact of Music on Moods and Stress – Research Findings: Campbell (97) impacts heart rate, influences the brain’s chemicals and creates a receptive state of mind Some sounds of music produce optimal learning states, as well as energizing the body for maximum wellness and optimism (the Village People) Sounds that indicate emotions are culturally free!! Tomatis (83)music charges the brain which in turn affect: Posture Energy flow at the conscious or nonconcious levels Attitude

Best Use of Recorded Music Entertainmentbody movement and beat Socializationbring people together Emotionsreleases opiates Delivery system for contentwords embedded in music Binding learning and meaningcreate memory link between concept and state of mind Memories triggeredelicit prior events Calming Slow down and calm body Movementactive learning