How Musical Practice Can Affect Cognitive Development Among People
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How Musical Practice Can Affect Cognitive Development Among People

Neuroscientific research continues to demonstrate the powerful effects of music on brain development. Music activates different parts of the brain that are responsible for a variety of bodily functions.

Listening to different music genres has been shown to improve concentration and creativity. Learning how to play a musical instrument also demonstrates incredible effects on the brain’s development.

Studies show that the duration of musical practice and timing of musical initiation also play a part in the effects observed in the brain. Children with an early adaptation to music show improved performance in IQ levels and cognitive development.

Neuroimaging has done on adult musicians also showcased plastic changes in their brains resulting in increased functional connectivity in motor and multi-sensory networks.

In this post, we’ll dive deeper into how musical practice affects cognitive development among people.

Improves Memory Recall

Practicing music has significant effects on the brain regions responsible for memory recall. A study done on students shows that those with musical training had better attention and working memory compared to those with no musical training.

In addition, studies also show that listening to music can take your mind back to events and memories that you may have forgotten. These memories could be from decades ago and would easily be triggered by emotions from listening to certain music.

Taking up musical classes allows you to exercise your brain more and improve your memory recall significantly. Learning different notes, how to read music sheets, and playing a new instrument are greatly beneficial for your brain’s development.

Improve General IQ & Academic Achievement

Musical practice helps improve general IQ and the academic performance of students in school. It allows you to develop different skills like memorization, focused attention, and mastery of technical skill.

The skills developed in music practice transfer to academics, improving people’s performance. However, this is not the case with listening to music. It only applies to those actively engaging with music in the form of lessons.

Learning to play the piano, and guitar, sing, and read sheet music will have more impact on your IQ than just listening to music. Resources like Music to your Home’s NYC music lessons make it easier to learn in the comfort of your home. 

Improves Verbal Memory

Studies that were done to prove the transfer of high-level cognitive skills, showed that music students had an enhanced performance in verbal intelligence. The cognitive skills and benefits of practicing music can transfer to other areas of human development.

The regular musical practice has also been shown to improve 2nd language pronunciation accuracy, making it easier to learn and speak a new language. 

Findings from an article by nature show that adults with an earlier adaptation to musical practice during childhood have better verbal memory. On the other hand, adults without music training prove to have lower verbal memory. 

So, practicing music is a great way to improve your verbal memory when it comes to stories and important presentations. It could greatly improve your performance when giving speeches in important situations.

Enhances Emotional Intelligence

Practicing and listening to music activates parts of the brain responsible for emotional processing. Research has linked practicing and listening to music to improved moods and emotional intelligence

People with higher emotional intelligence will gravitate towards listening to music in order to regulate their emotions. This is why when people are sad or want a boost in their moods, they tend to listen to either slow or upbeat music.

The music genre does not play a big part in the enhancement of emotional intelligence, but, the rhythm of the music does. Playing a musical instrument and concentrating on the rhythms will act on your cortical and subcortical brain network to enhance your EQ.

Improves Creativity

Playing an instrument, writing music, and singing require you to exercise your creativity to come up with catchy tunes. Musical practice helps you engage your creative mind by keeping it active. 

Taking music classes exposes you to new concepts and learnings that will keep your creativity flowing. In addition, these lessons will challenge you and unlock a flow of ideas and inspiration for different areas of your life. 

Research shows that playing and listening to happy music also helps promote creative thinking. This is why some people prefer to work with music, especially when engaging their creative imagination and problem-solving. 

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