The Beats of the Brain

Music has long been recognized as a powerful tool for aiding memory and learning. Think about how many people recall the alphabet by singing the ABC song or how popular media like "Hannah Montana" used catchy tunes to teach concepts like the skeletal system ("The Bone Dance," 2018). Similarly, educational songs from "Schoolhouse Rock!" have helped generations of students remember how a bill becomes a law or what a conjunction is (Jabbow, 2011; "Conjunction Junction," 2014). Music taps into parts of our brain that enhance recall and focus, making learning both enjoyable and memorable.

 

One of the most compelling examples of music's impact on memory comes from research on patients with Alzheimer's. According to a Harvard Medical School article, music, particularly familiar tunes like "Happy Birthday," can trigger long-term memories even in individuals with severe short-term memory loss. The article notes that Alzheimer's patients often recognize and respond to familiar songs, highlighting how deeply music is embedded in our cognitive processes (Ruder, 2020). This example demonstrates the remarkable way music interacts with the brain, unlocking memories that might otherwise be lost.

 

But how exactly does music impact the brain? In her article for Edutopia.org, Judy Willis explains that when music is paired with movement or gestures, it creates additional pathways in the brain, increasing the likelihood that the information will be stored in long-term memory (Willis, 2023). A multisensory experience combining listening, moving, and engaging with material activates multiple brain areas, helping students retain information more effectively. Personal experience also supports this: A former student of mine reached out years after graduation, recalling a song we had used to learn about DNA. Though she could not remember the exact lyrics, the fact that she sought it out for her own classroom shows how deeply music can anchor learning.

 

In my biology classroom, I used this approach with one of the toughest topics: photosynthesis. Students were asked to write songs explaining the process, and the results were astounding. Not only did they perform better on tests, but even years later, they could still sing their photosynthesis songs. This demonstrates how powerful music can be as a learning tool. When students write and perform songs, they actively engage with the material, cementing it in their long-term memory through melody and rhythm. Research supports this idea: learning through multiple senses, including music, extends brain connectivity and helps students retain information (Willis, 2023).

 

Music also has profound effects on focus and relaxation. For instance, my daughter often listens to music while studying, and when I initially questioned this habit, she explained that music helps her block out distractions and stay focused. Her experience aligns with research that suggests music can help "block" background noise and reduce stress, making it easier to concentrate on tasks (Sundaram, 2023). Whether it's calming instrumental music or rhythmic beats, music can modulate brain activity and create an optimal environment for focus (How Does Music Help You Concentrate? n.d.).

 

Finally, the type of music you listen to can play a crucial role in how effective it is for focus and relaxation. For tasks requiring intense focus, binaural beats—different frequencies played in each ear—have been shown to stimulate specific brainwave activity. Dr. Yune S. Lee describes how these beats create a third frequency in the brain, helping improve cognitive function and focus (Fontenot, 2022). Whether it's gamma waves for concentration or alpha waves for relaxation, different frequencies can support various mental states. However, personal preference matters—what works for one person might not work for another (Wilson & Ahn, 2023). Music is not a one-size-fits-all tool, but with the right choice, it can enhance both learning and relaxation.

 

 

References:

Fontenot, S. (2022, April 8). Sound Science: Researcher Investigates How Music Alters the Mind. News Center. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://news.utdallas.edu/health-medicine/neuroscientist-music-research-2022/

Jabbow, G. (2011, January 6). Schoolhouse Rock How a Bill Becomes a Law. YouTube. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBpdxEMelR0

Ruder, D. B. (2020). Music and the Brain | Harvard Medical School. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/music-brain

Sundaram, V. (2023, February 22). Does Music Help Concentration? The Sandbox Project. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://sandboxproject.ca/the-ycrh-blog/2023/1/30/does-music-help-concentration

THE SKELETAL SYSTEM: The Bone Dance (Hannah Montana). (2018, October 5). YouTube. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKYH3y3GQQ8

Grammar - Conjunction Junction - Schoolhouse Rock. (2014, August 18). YouTube. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjdCFat9rjI

How Does Music Help You Concentrate? (n.d.). Edugage. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://edugage.com/how-does-music-help-you-concentrate/

Willis, J. (2023, May 3). Using Music to Support Deeper Learning. Edutopia. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-music-support-deeper-learning

Wilson, D. R., & AHN, B. (2023, June 1). Can music improve focus and concentration when studying? MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-music-help-you-focus