Music is not only applied to entertainment but, is used for storytelling, religious rituals, and therapy. It has great benefits but, the most interesting is its effects on the brain. It is the only activity that activates and stimulates the entire brain.

• Networks in the brain that are responsible for motor skills, emotion and creativity become activated. (Science Daily, 2011)
• Little Einsteins, Schoolhouse Rock and Dora The Explorer use catchy tunes to evoke emotion, make the “adventure” interactive and teach children through music about important issues/themes

To sum up, music shows are very important and there needs to be more of them. In addition, there need to be more schools that have music programs as well. Especially in rural and low-income areas.

These are not there expecting every child to become a professional musician because that is not realistic but the research is saying that getting involved in music activities and watching shows do teach teamwork and give children the ability to express themselves.

 

Briana Brown

“Children and Music: Benefits of Music in Child Development.” Bright Horizons Family Solutions, http://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/e-family-news/2010-music-and-children-rhythm-meets-child-development.

Gersema, Emily. “Music Training Can Change Children’s Brain Structure and Boost the Decision-Making Network > News > USC Dornsife.” > Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration (CSII) at USC > USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, 28 Nov. 2017, dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/2711/music-training-can-change-childrens-brain-structure-and-boost-th/.

Smith, Dalouge. “The SIMPHONY Project: How Does Music Change a Child’s Brain?”ARTS Blog, 6 July 2015, blog.americansforthearts.org/2015/03/20/the-simphony-project-how-does-music-change-a-childs-brain.

The Brain On Music

Music is a universal language and many people use it everywhere. Music is not only applied to entertainment but, can also be used for storytelling, religious rituals, and therapy. It has great benefits but, the most interesting thing about music is its effects on the brain. It is the only activity that activates, stimulates and uses the entire brain.

According to Music training can change children’s brain structure and boost decision-making network, by USC communication specialist, Emily Gersema music can :

1.  Increases IQ
2.  Improves Spatial-Temporal Skills
3.  Increase Language Development
4.  Ignites Social and Moral Development
5.  Can Make You Happier and Brings Joy To Others (Gersema, 2017)

Scientists have used several techniques, including behavioral testing, structural and functional MRI scans, and EEG to track electrical activity in the brains.

The following clip shows John Iverson, a USCD neuroscientist who studies music. He emphasizes the SIMPHONY study, how children perceive rhythm and how musical rhythm can be used as medicine.

Does Music Change a Child’s Brain

From the information above, it is evident to conclude that musical shows or singing shows can be extremely beneficial to a child’s moral and social development. This programming can be motivating/ inspiring for children to get involved in the music scene, work on their vocals or learn an instrument. There is an enormous amount of programming for children that have a strong emphasis on music and catchy tunes like Victorious, The Fresh Beat Band, Glee, SchoolHouse Rock, Jacks Big Music Show and Yo Gabba Gabba!

In addition, there are also competitive shows that broadcast talents like Little Big Shots, American Idol, America’s Got Talent and The Rap Game which give children of all ages an opportunity to show their drive for stardom

Briana Brown

My name is Briana Brown. I am a communication study major in pursuit of becoming a fashion journalist. I have always been interested in fashion and was the youngest stylist coordinate assocaite for a popular e-commerce website called, HauteLook with the parent organization, Nordstrom. I fine-tuned my saleswomanship there and quickly became curious about mass media and its effect on an audience. My experience working with a creative team that used a variety of communication tools such as written, broadcast and advertising sparked my interest in journalism. I believe that they are the voice that represents what is going on in the world. Media platforms such as microblogging, social networking, video sharing and print allow a journalist to get in touch with audiences all over the world and understand other cultures. Journalism has moved from it generic form of journal articles and newspapers to things more closely connected to social media and this change has definitely affected my personal media interests as well.

Growing up, my media interests included lots and lots and lots of television, film, and magazines. However, I ended up ditching my magazines for media accessible at my fingertips. I picked up my first smartphone at 12 and became more consumed with the internet, social media, blogs and popular sites such as YouTube.

I enjoy these new mediums because they allow users to connect, inspire, share and interact with like-minded people.

The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton