Brain Development Outline

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A. A minimum of 2 years Thesis statement: Learning to play an instrument can significantly impact brain development in both children and adults, although there are more benefits if one starts at an earlier age.
I. Playing an instrument causes physical changes to the way that the brain functions.
A. Neurophysiological distinction between sounds B. Improved neural processing
II. Improved life skills are another result of having music education.
A. Better planning and coordination skills
B. Improved concentration
C. Doing better academically
III. How many years before changes are seen?

B. 8 weeks or 2 months of music training
IV. Young children have an affinity for music, they respond in a way that older
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Music has its own special effect on the human nervous system. Scientists have proven that neurophysiological distinction develops as a result of playing an instrument. Clinical neurophysiology, a special branch of medicine that examines the central and peripheral nervous systems helps in differentiating between sounds, which can increase literacy and academic ability. This will aid children not only through their early school years but even into college. Many of these students will continue to use this ability throughout their lives, even helping them in job performance, relationships, and being wise …show more content…
Nina Kraus, the director of Northwestern University’s Auditory Neuroscience Lab says that, “We don’t see these kinds of biological changes in people who are just listening to music, who are not playing an instrument. I like to give the analogy that you’re not going to become physically fit just by watching sports.”(Locker 2) A child’s brain will not change unless he or she actively and consciously engages in class activities. Actually taking part in something gives a greater understanding of the concept that the teacher is trying to relay to the student. Unless the children desire to play an instrument, they will not gain any of the long-term benefits that playing an instrument can provide. Improved life skills are another result of having a music education. In a study of six-to eighteen-year-olds, University of Vermont’s James Hudziak learned that students who participate in a music program possess greater planning skills and coordination skills. “[M]ore rapid cortical thickness maturation . . .” (McKibben 2) has been found in musicians. ‘Cortical thickness’ describes how thick all the layers of the cerebral cortex are in the brain. Among other benefits, this leads to having a greater control of the emotions and being less