New studies breathe new life into the Mozart Effect…
The ‘Mozart Effect’ was a phenomenon first suggested by a scientific study published in the journal Science in 1993. The study, involving 36 students, demonstrated that teenagers who listened to Mozart’s 1781 Sonata for Two Pianos in D major performed better in reasoning tests than adolescents who listened to something else or who had been in a silent room. Although the Mozart Effect has been largely debunked as a myth since the publication of that study, newer research continue to demonstrate the undeniable effect that music has on the brain…
‘Mozart effect’: can classical music really make your baby smarter?
- Music seems to prime our brains for certain kinds of thinking, like spatial tasks because it turns on those pathways in the brain.
- Listening to music has a temporary effect, while learning to play an instrument creates longer-lasting effects because it creates new pathways in the brain.
- Why Classical music? Because it has a more complex musical structure
See also: Babies can remember what they hear in the womb
Classical Music affects Genes Vital to Memory and Learning
In a study by Kanduri et al., 2015, 20 minutes of Mozart:
- enhances the activity of genes involved in synaptic neurotransmission and dopamine secretion, both of which are important to memory and learning.
- reduces the activity of genes involved in neurodegeneration
Music has the ability to enhance memory, cognitive performance and development, and emotions. The downside is that these effects were only seen in musically experienced people – another reason to learn a musical instrument…
Music’s Amazing Effect on Long-Term Memory and Mental Abilities In General
- Professional musicians have superior long-term memory and are capable of much faster neural responses in key areas of the brain related to decision-making, memory and attention.
Bottom line:
- Listen to music! Classical music is best.
- If you want to train your brain, learn a musical instrument.