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News:
Study finds musical training may focus
attention and reduce anxiety in children
Psychiatrists at the University of Vermont College of Medicine monitored 232 children
January 5, 2015
A new study conducted by psychiatrists at the
University of Vermont College of Medicine has
found
that playing a musical instrument may help
children overcome anxiety, focus attention and
control emotions. The findings, published in the
Journal of American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry, follow a study of 232
children aged between six and 18 using MRI
scanning and behavioural testing.
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In a previous study, researchers found that
thickening or thinning of
the brain cortex
corresponded with anxiety and depression,
attention problems, aggression, and behaviour
control issues. The current study set out to see
whether positive activity, such as instrumental
lessons, might also have an effect.
It was found that instrumental playing impacted
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of the brain. Music practice influenced cortical
thickness related to ‘executive functioning,
2015
including working memory, attention control, as
well as organisation and planning for the future’. In children with musical backgrounds the brain was
affected ‘in areas that play a critical role in inhibitory control, as well as aspects of emotion processing’.
Led by Dr James Hudziak, professor of psychiatry and director of the Vermont Center for Children, Youth
and Families, the study noted that three quarters of US high school students ‘rarely or never’ take
extracurricular lessons in music or the arts. ‘Such statistics, when taken in the context of our present
neuroimaging results underscore the vital importance of finding new and innovative ways to make music
training more widely available to youths, beginning in childhood.’
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Ed Vigdor ·
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Top Commenter · Chairman and Co-Founder at Spirit of Harmony Foundation
This is one more thread in the tapestry that makes the argument for the moral imperative for music
education. The others include other develop in brain function, specifically auditory development. Erasing
the signatures of poverty, helping kids to not only DO better in school, but to graduate high school, go on
to college, to eventually have a successful career in whatever profession.
This is the essences of what my foundation does, founded by Todd Rundgren, The Spirit of Harmony
Foundation is endeavoring to produce a "tool kit" for people, parents, teachers at the grass roots level
advocate and secure this type of education for their kids. Please check us out our website,
www.spiritofharmony.org or on facebook.
Reply ·
Like
· Yesterday at 7:57am
Stone House Jam Academy
Reducing anxiety in children and helping them to focus is a good thing! We already know this and see it
every day, but here's more support for how learning music helps.
Reply ·
Like
· January 6 at 7:44am
Charles Castleman ·
Top Commenter · Founder and CEO at Castleman Quartet Programs
It makes sense. However, they are children from perhaps the most enlightened state. They may be
getting positive reinforcement which would not happen elsewhere
Reply ·
Like
· January 5 at 2:17pm
Ian Edlund · Olympia, Washington
Interesting
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· January 7 at 10:12am
Maire Kousa · Lauritsalan iltalukio
Kiitos tekstistä/ Thank you by the text. I am agree.
Reply ·
Like
· January 6 at 1:39am
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