Music in Human Life

Authors

• Rebecca R. Johnston
• Esther M. Morgan-Ellis

What is Music?

• Challenges in defining music.
  • Birdsong and city noises as music?
  • Historical examples:
    • 1964: Sounds of the Junk Yard by Michael Siegel.
    • 1952: Williams Mix by John Cage.
    • 1916: Dynamic Motion by Henry Cowell.
• John Cage's 4'33"
  • Performance of silence highlighting ambient sounds.
  • Argument: Music defined by listening, not source or intention.
• Definitions:
  • Google Dictionary: Beauty, form, harmony, expression.
  • Merriam-Webster: Science or art of ordered sounds.
  • Limitations in definitions e.g., emotional impact, digital music.

The Power of Music

• Historical significance in societies.
• Music's impact on the brain.
• Unique human qualities:
  • Self-consciousness, appreciation of beauty, humor, awareness of death.
• Brain anatomy:
  • Human brains: Forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain.
  • Unique structures: Broca's and Wernicke's areas.

Language and the Human Brain

• Brain regions:
  • Cerebrum: Higher functions.
  • Cerebellum: Muscle coordination, balance.
  • Brainstem: Autonomous functions.
  • Broca's area: Speech production.
  • Wernicke's area: Language comprehension.
• Music's connection to language:
  • Shared brain processing regions.

Connections Between Speech and Music

• Similarities:
  • Pitch variation, rhythm in speech.
  • Syntax in language and music.
• Brain processing:
  • Language: Isolated processing.
  • Music: Global brain activation.

Music and Human Development, Learning, and Wellness

• Music therapy:
  • Used in rehabilitation and treatment of disorders.
  • Effective for physical, emotional, cognitive improvement.
• Music Therapy Field:
  • Board-certified professionals.
  • Applications in various therapeutic contexts.

Why Study Music?

• Cognitive benefits:
  • Improved grades, creativity, problem-solving.
  • Historical role in cultural transmission.
• Educational tools:
  • Memory enhancement through songs (e.g., ABC song).

Music and Innate Aptitude

• Aptitude development until age nine.
• Importance of early exposure.
• Achievement vs. aptitude.
• Music and language skills are universally innate.

Music and Human Flourishing

• Music's role in education and cognitive development.
• Rehabilitation and healing through music.
• Encouragement for lifelong engagement with music.

Resources for Further Learning

• Recommended books and online resources:
  • Music Therapy: An Introduction to the Profession
  • Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain by Oliver Sacks
  • American Music Therapy Association's website
  • Alive Inside documentary