Music - A New Field of Scientific Study

My interest in brain research has led to interesting reading over the years. When we added FastForword at Zeiger Elementary, the staff received training on current brain research sponsored by the vendor, Scientific Learning. The presentation inspired me to purchase all kinds of "brain reasearch" books such as:

The Secret Life of the Brain by Richard Restak, M.D.

Inside the Brain by Ronald Kotulak

How the Brain Learns by David A. Sousa

Teaching With The Brain in Mind by Eric Jenkins

How People Learn - Brain, Mind, Experience, and School published by the National Research Council

My new role in the Puyallup School District has allowed me to pursure this interest even more. I'm facinated by the study of brain hemispheres, and used Betty Edwards's book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain for many years, particularly in teaching visual art lessons to my sixth-grade students. This study of "right brain" versus "left brain" functions, and the idea that we use, and need both hemispheres for daily life is the focus of a new book I'm reading called, A Whole New Mind. My goal during the next couple of weeks is to finish reading the book and apply the research to my work.

Musicians are perfect examples of effective use of both sides of the brain. To study the lyrics of a song and "read" the music on the staff is clearly a "left-brain" function. Language skills, math skills, simply moving from left to right across the page - these are all left brain activities. However, to apply emotion, dynamics, interpretation and improvisation is right brain activity at its finest. Music educators serve the whole brain of each student, and should consciously teach with this in mind.

"Music researchers are finding correlations between music making and some of the deepest workings of the human brain. Research has linked active music making with increased language discrimination and development, math ability, improved school grades, better-adjusted social behavior, and improvements in 'spatial-temporal reasoning,' - a cornerstone for problem solving." This message, taken from the American Music Conference website, introduces readers to a collection of research you can read for yourself. Take a look, click here or go to the AMC home page by clicking on the link provided on the PSD Music blog.

I'd love to read your feedback, and encourage you to exercise your ability as a contributor to this blog. Post your thoughts. Let talk with each other!