Monday, April 16, 2012

Tonal Tuesdays - Learning New Tricks

In watching a program the other night, there was one of those "learning minutes" between commercials.  It was about how music helps children to learn.  It helps them with cognitive skills such as pattern recognition and with emotional learning.  It is also a social medium when singing in choirs and groups.   The final comment was that music helps  the brain synapse create more and deeper connections.  There is no better testament than this marvellous video.


Without getting overly scientific, music helps us to see the world differently.  I remember even during my high school years that the art class played the radio while they worked on projects.  That of course is to shut down the left side of the brain which is our logical and sequential learning side.  The right brain is our more visual and intuitive thinking which of course is very useful in artistic endeavors.   Many studies abound proving that music helps us learn in many ways.


Music helps plants grow, makes polar bears happy and helps all of us learn.  Nowhere does it say you have to be a certain age to learn or be affected by your music.  So here it is.  If you want to learn something new and perhaps a bit daunting, turn on the music.  Get your mind relaxed and happy and go to it.  Learning is fun and forever.  If you haven't tried to learn something new lately, do it. Put on your iPod or old Walkman and get going.   Choose a new puzzle, figure out a part of your computer, build a bookshelf, learn a dance step.  Do something NEW!!  Hang out with some youngsters for just a little while and see what they learn.  They ask questions and are learning all the time. Think like a kid and learn up a storm (probably a mixed metaphor there but you know what I mean).  And while you are doing that hum a tune, sing a song or play some music that makes you feel good.  Yes old dogs and young dogs can learn new tricks.   Make it so!





2 comments:

Colleen said...

Wow, that video was cool! Really inspiring.

Embro Thistle Singers said...

I thought so too. That gentleman just came alive with a renewed interest in life in general. Totally amazing.