Music and Memory

[Thi]

One question I have always asked myself but neglected to find a scientific answer for is whether listening to music actually improves the effectiveness of learning? As for me, it seems to help but maybe we can discuss whether there might be a scientific reason.

Thi

[Homunculus]

Hi Thi,

I think the effectiveness of music would very much depend on, for example: the kind of music, learning, information to be learned and modality in which the to be learned information is presented.

Which did you have in mind?

[Steffen]

Just a short and story from me, of which I was reminded by your question:
When I'm learning I always here music, no matter what. So did I for an maths exam in my 11th grade. As I already had heard of learning advantages when the situation where I learned and the situation where I had to recall the learned stuff should be as similar as possible, I asked my maths teacher, whether I was allowed to hear music with a walkman during the exam (and indeed he was fine with it).
Well, what can I say? I improved my mark by 1,5 compared to all my other maths exams.
Afterwards, unfortunately, my teacher thought I cheated and I was never allowed to hear music during exams again...

[ChantiPDM]

I can remember to having heard of a study which suggested that listening to Mozart improved learing. However, in a counter-study the effect could not be confirmed. Unfortunately, I don't have the sources of these studies; it's too long ago and was in the public media.

Well, I guess that a positive effect may be achieved with music which induces a positive mood. But from that also ensues that everything - and not only music - which raises one's mood conduces toward a better learning atmosphere.

Another point to consider is: beat and rhythm is processed by areas of the left hemisphere. Thus my hypothesis is that if one listenes to rhythmic music while learning abstract things, which too are processed by the left hemisphere, an imporoved learning effect might be observed.
However, music, when actively heard, can deprive of attention which you should better use for your learning task.

That are only my thoughts; and I don't know wheather there are studies concerning this topic.

[arunred20]

Its true with my case where I listen to my favorite music after my preparation to any exam or any talk, My response would be continuous and I cover all the related issues in harmony   

[Flex]

I think these sources will be of great help in answering any music related neuroscience questions:

Campbell, D (1997). The Mozart Effect. New York: Avon.

Jensen, E. (2000) Music with the Brain in Mind. San Diego: The Brain Store.

Jourdain, R. (1997). Music, the Brain, and Ecstasy: How Music Captures Our Imagination. New York: Morrow.

Oritz, J.M. (1997). The Tao of Music: Sound Psychology. York Beach, Main: Samuel Weiser.

Shaw, G. (2000). Keeping Music in Mind. San Diego: Academic Press.

Tomatis, A. (1991). The Conscious Ear. Barrytown, N.Y.: Station Hill Press.

Wilson, G.D. (1994). Psychology for performing Artists: Butterflies and Bouquets. London: Jessica Kingsley.



Of particular interest to music in relation to mathematical ability, the Kodaly Method is pretty well recognized. check out www.american-kodlay-institute.org