Cognition is defined as the mental action or process of acquiring
knowledge and understanding through thought, experience and the senses.
By this definition, we can say that cognition plays an important role in
how each one of us learn concepts and apply what we learn in real life.
Not only do we limit learning in concepts rather it encompasses life’s
lessons and important values. Because of this, concerned parties,
including parents have ventured this arena and experimented on how to
impart important lessons to others especially their children so as to
reach their maximum potential.
And it doesn’t come as a surprise to learn that one of the most
enjoyable activities of humankind actually helps in the development of
essential cognitive systems. This activity is music making and/or music
training. Listening to music passively helps in the brain development
but recent research puts more weight in making music or playing musical
instruments as boosters of cognitive development. The activities
included here are composing music, reading music, analyzing, arranging,
notating, and creating music. Accordingly, compelling evidence supports
the hypothesis that these activities, collectively known as musical
arts, may provide a positive, significant and lasting benefit to
learners.
The essential cognitive systems developed in making music include
reasoning, creativity, thinking, decision-making and problem solving.
Neural firing patterns are activated and synchronized resulting to
orchestrate and connect multiple brain sites. This results in the
increase of the brain’s efficiency and effectiveness. Many research literature and academic articles are available explaining more about
Music and the Brain.
