The Impact of Musical Training on Brain Function
1. How does the brain research study in Paragraph 3 support the idea that music improves brain function?
a. It provides evidence that children who study music at an earlier age have better developed language and auditory skills.
b. It supports the claim that children who learn to play a musical instrument at an early age improve their chances of becoming better musicians.
c. It provides evidence that there are academic benefits to formal music training for young children.
d. It supports the claim that the daily discipline of practicing a musical instrument improves academic results.
2. How does the brain research study in Paragraph 3 help develop the central idea that music improves brain function?
a. It provides evidence that children who study music at an earlier age have better developed language and auditory skills.
b. It supports the claim that children who learn to play a musical instrument at an early age improve their chances of becoming better musicians.
c. It provides evidence that there are academic benefits to formal music training for young children.
d. It supports the claim that the daily discipline of practicing a musical instrument improves academic results.
Answer:
The brain research study in Paragraph 3 supports the idea that music improves brain function by showing that early musical training enhances language and auditory brain areas. Music connects people beyond language barriers and actively learning an instrument may promote neurogenesis, boosting memory and learning capacities.
Explanation:
The inclusion of the brain research study in Paragraph 3 helps develop the central idea that music improves brain function by providing evidence that children who study music at an earlier age have better developed language and auditory skills. The study suggests that early musical training can lead to significant improvements in brain development, specifically in areas responsible for language production, auditory processing, and executive function, which is related to planning and problem-solving skills. Through active participation in musical training, children can also experience benefits in academic areas such as reading.
Moreover, learning to play an instrument can improve sensory information processing and memory due to the simultaneous engagement of both sides of the brain. Furthermore, researchers found that music has the ability to foster a sense of unity within groups and can effectively communicate emotions across cultural boundaries. These findings resonate with Darwin's theory that language and music were originally one in the evolution of human communication.
Additionally, neurogenesis research indicates that engaging in activities like playing a musical instrument can promote the birth of new neurons in the hippocampus, enhancing learning and memory.