Music & Its Effects

Last year, in my ENG 101 class, the teacher always encouraged us to bring our IPod to class and listen to our favorite music while writing. His reasoning behind this was that he wrote better, and it seemed that most of his student's wrote better when listening to music. I have found plenty of research to validate his viewpoint. Music has many effects on the human mind and body.

A study conducted by Canadian researchers found that the brains of children who have had musical training not only respond differently than the brains of children who have not had musical training, but also improve their memory. This conclusion was reached after studying and testing two different groups of children at four month increments. The children ranged in age from 4 to 6 years. All the children in one of the groups were taking Suzuki music lessons while all the children in the other group were taking no musical training. At the conclusion of the study researchers found that those who had received musical training received better scores on memory tests that related to literacy, verbal memory, visiospatial processing, mathematics, and IQ. Some of the children receiving musical training showed improvement on the tests in as little as 3 months.

Music can help to slow down the brain waves which can help a person's brain reach the ideal state for learning. In day to day activity our brain waves are in the beta state, in which we are alert and conscious. In the beta state brain waves can range from 13-60 pulses per second; the lower end of the spectrum when we're more relaxed; the higher end of the spectrum when we are agitated, tense, or afraid. The optimum learning state for the brain is the alpha state, in which we are physically and mentally relaxed. In the alpha state brain waves range from 7-13 pulses per second. One of the best ways for your brain to achieve alpha state is by listening to baroque music. Baroque music is normally within the range of 50-80 beats per minute and research has shown that it helps it's listeners to attain a state of deep concentration and focus which then makes learning and processing information much easier.

Most researchers agree that classical music and/or baroque music is the way to go when using music to aid in learning. This is because it is purely musical and provides little distraction since the listener is not concentrating on what is being said or trying to sing along. However, there are many different learning styles and different genres of music affect people's brains differently. Heavy Metal and Hip Hop are said to excite the nervous system and sometimes inspire dynamic behavior and self expression. Rock is said to stir passion and activity and can help to release stress as well mask pain and unpleasant noises. South American music is said to make our heart race and urges us to get up and get moving. Big Band music is said to engage our emotions and provide comfort. Jazz and Blues music is said to uplift and inspire us. Classical music is said to improve concentration and memory. Baroque music is said to encourage creativity and innovation. Romantic music is said to enhance our senses and emotions. Religious music is said to bring peace and spiritual awareness. Impressionist music is said to encourage dreamlike images which can in turn put us in touch with our unconscious thoughts. Ambient music is said to induce a state of relaxed alertness, reduce stress, and quiet the mind. I find that listening to my favorite music while brainstorming for a paper can be very helpful, but I have a hard time concentrating if I listen while I am trying to read or write. Only you can find out what works best for you, if anything.