An inside look at how rhythm affects our brain

As human beings, we are innately rhythmic. Daily we feel our heartbeat, we hear the ticking of our car signals, we listen to the radio.

Even before birth we are exposed to a steady rhythm – our mothers’ heart beat. Newborn babies are hardwired to feel beats – research has shown that babies are aware of beat deception, or disruption in meter. It makes sense then that a beat, and the elements that create a beat, are an important aspect in music therapy and musical training (Winkler, Haden, Ladinig, Sziller, & Honing, 2008).

The art of making music with or without musical skill

Being the newest associate to join the TPSMTS, I wanted to introduce a term that is used very often in the field of music therapy – improvisation.

The heart behind writing about improvisation is that it is one major way to experience music.

Improvisation can be free or structured, pre-planned or spontaneous. According to Dictionary.com, to improvise is to create without previous preparation, in the spur of the moment, from whatever materials (or instruments) are readily available.

For some reading this, improvisation may sound scary or unpleasant; it may even sound a little chaotic. This can be true. However, improvisation is also spontaneous, unique, and inspired.

Improvisation has the potential to allow any child, adolescent, adult, or older adult, with or without musical skill, and to engage in the making of music.

How neurologic music therapy changes the brain

The brain that engages in music is changed by engaging in music.

How can our brains change with something so seemingly simple?

Neuroplasticity.

But it’s not actually a simple process at all! Let me clarify.

Neuroplasticity refers to the brains ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, compensating for injury or disease, and adjusting to changes in one’s environment. While we engage in music, whether it is listening, singing, or actively playing an instrument, our brains are being globally activated – the reorganization can begin.

Engaging in music is truly a whole brain process.