Monday, May 12, 2014

Objective Summary 2- Section 2 of “Music and the Brain: How Music Changes the Brain”

   

  








In Section 2 of Music and the Brain, C.D. Shelton continues to focus on the positive aspects of music to individuals, but he also emphasizes the role of music in societies. Shelton highlights music’s ability to create an appreciation for people of different cultures. By incorporating the studies of many researches, Shelton reports music’s capability to strengthen the academics of those who learn to play an instrument. Shelton points out that the majority of people who listen to music or play an instrument are better at problem solving, paying attention to detail, and often score higher on standardized tests than those who do not incorporate music into their lives. Shelton explores the never-ending benefits of music, and describes how music allows people to perceive the world accurately. Through evidence, Shelton states that children that study the art of music are granted an internal glimpse of other cultures. By observing these different cultures, Shelton contends that the they develop a compassion that provides a bridge across cultural gaps that lead to the respect of other races at an early age. Shelton concludes that music is a key factor in blending the diversity of cultures, and that by utilizing music’s ability to do so, societies may intertwine peacefully by changing the viewpoint of the young population towards an appreciation of others.



Shelton, C.D. Music and the Brain: How Music Changes the Brain. N.p.: Amazon Digital Services, 2013. Web.

Friday, May 9, 2014

Objective Summary- Section 1 of "Music and the Brain: How Music changes the Brain"


Summary- Section 1 of Music and the Brain: How Music Changes the Brain




         In Section 1 of Music and the Brain, C.D. Shelton explores the benefits of learning to play music and the positive effects of music on brain development. Shelton incorporates the research of multiple studies displaying how music can be very helpful and therapeutic. For example, Shelton addresses music's ability to aid the sleep of those suffering from insomnia, calm or focus people in different situations, and can even enlarge the brain up to 25% if you take music lessons as a child. Shelton highlights the fact that learning to play a musical instrument while young improves the mathematical and linguistic centers of the brain, as well as sharpening motor skills. While analyzing a study on music and its effects on the brain development of children, Shelton notes that there is a "sensitive period" between six and eight in which musical training interacts with the normal brain development of kids. He informs that this sensitive period is the most likely time for a person's sensory neurons to strengthen and become more efficient than the average person. Straying from the factual data on how music benefits the overall population, Shelton emphasizes the significance of music as a form of self- expression and a way to understand yourself as a human being. In a study on patients recovering from strokes, Shelton concludes that even though some patients suffered from damage to their brain and were inable to speak, some were able to sing because the music centers of their brain were functioning well. Throughout the section, Shelton stresses the importance of music on an individual's ability to control their mood, focus, and release stress. He also demonstrates the benefits of learning music at a young age and how it improves the brain's capabilities.

Shelton, C.D. Music and the Brain: How Music Changes the Brain. N.p.: Amazon Digital Services, 2013. Web.



Monday, May 5, 2014

Essential Question


Essential Question: How does music affect different members of society?
Different genres of music

Claim: Music defines diversity in different cultures and societies.




 Reason: Music is a form of self- expression. It allows all types of people from all over the world to express themselves in different ways. The different genres of music display the diversity in cultures around the globe. Music also permits people to assess their relationship with themselves and the world around them.

Different cultures utilize various instruments
Different genres of modern music