The Brain and Music

First of all, let’s take a look at the definition of brain plasticity.  According to Wikipedia:

“Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity, is an umbrella term that encompasses both synaptic plasticity and non-synaptic plasticity—it refers to changes in neural pathways and synapses due to changes in behavior, environment, neural processes, thinking, and emotions – as well as to changes resulting from bodily injury.^[1] The concept of neuroplasticity has replaced the formerly-held position that the brain is a physiologically static organ, and explores how – and in which ways – the brain changes in the course of a lifetime.^[2]

Neuroplasticity occurs on a variety of levels, ranging from cellular changes (due to learning) to large-scale changes involved in cortical remapping in response to injury. The role of neuroplasticity is widely recognized^{[by whom?]} in healthy development, learning, memory, and recovery from brain damage. During most of the 20th century, neuroscientists maintained a scientific consensus that brain structure was relatively immutable after a critical period during early childhood. This belief has been challenged by findings revealing that many aspects of the brain remain plastic even into adulthood.^[3]

How can music affect brain plasticity?  As you see above, neuroscientists formerly believed that the brain was static and could not change.  Now we know that that is not true!  The brain can definitely change and music can play a significant role in that.

“Multiple previous posts have described the unique way that music uses much of the brain, with multiple senses, modalities and parts of the brain. Any music training and practice can have wide ranging brain effects, especially playing or singing with others.”  As I’ve said here many times, live music is always better than recorded music, and when YOU are performing the music, even just singing in the shower or beating on a drum, your brain will stay younger and think better!! – See more at: http://jonlieffmd.com/blog/the-five-secrets-of-brain-health#sthash.itbok8Ls.dpuf