Lessons from Neuroscience for Music Learning
Professor Lauren Stewart
Professor in Psychology at Goldsmith’s College, University of London
The ability to make sense of musical sound has been observed in every culture since the beginning of recorded history. In early infancy, it allows us to respond to the sing-song interactions from a primary caregiver and to engage in musical play. In later life it shapes our social and cultural identities and modulates our affective and emotional states. In this talk Professor Stewart will discuss how the ability to perceive and make sense of musical sound is remarkably sophisticated, and can, for most people, be acquired simply by being exposed to the music of one’s own culture. We’ll also explore why some people really don’t ‘get’ music; while others get too much of it, and discuss how some unique aspects of music make it such a powerful therapeutic tool in clinical contexts.
Workshop questions for discussion:
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How does the functioning of the brain affect the ability to reason?
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What influences our ability to think logically and solve problems successfully?
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How do reasoning skills develop?
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How can reasoning skills be improved?
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What are the implications for teaching approaches?
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To what extent are reasoning skills transferable?
