Can music help people with Parkinson’s?
Music therapy and music learning are having a profound impact on the life and rehabilitation of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. It is important to understand the difference between music therapy and music learning because sometimes they either look very similar, or one leads seamlessly into the other.
Music therapy is a music based intervention for a therapeutic outcome, it is very individualised and based on the background and clinical needs of the patient. Music learning is the, often highly structured, approach to learning how to play, create and understand music. Music learning tends to follow a set of steps which music teachers can then individualise to each student’s interests and ways of learning.
In the case of Derick, he is doing a bit of both. He is using music to ease the symptoms of his Parkinson’s disease as well as methodically improve his co-ordination and rhythm through learning to play piano.
For Parkinson’s sufferers, the need to consistently work with rhythm is very high, as the disease itself seems to strip away the consistency to which rhythmic information travels through the body.
“Music can help us stay focused on a particular activity, encourage rhythmic movements, or increase our enthusiasm with a stronger beat or faster pace.”
Music has always been a go-to for lifting our spirits, but did you know classical music might take it a step further by actually helping treat depression?
Founder of Bigger Better Brains, Dr Anita Collins, receives hundreds of emails from students around the world asking questions about neuromusical research. So she decided to record a short video about the most asked questions she has received.
Can music play a role in healthy aging? According to new research, the answer might be yes.
Imagine sitting in a concert hall, completely immersed in the music, when something incredible happens—you and the people around you begin to breathe and feel the same rhythm.
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Trick or Treat Digital Campaign for Halloween. Enter your email and receive the campaign now!
As a music teacher, how often have we heard the phrase, “I have to skip rehearsal, I have a test”? In my school, as in many schools, we have our only rehearsal time in the morning prior to school starting, and I hear this comment regularly through the school year.
A new research project will investigate if singing together could be more than just a pleasant pastime; it might be a powerful tool for enhancing cooperation across various aspects of society, from classrooms to boardrooms.
Introducing our exciting new ‘If You’re Aiming for This…’ campaign, created to help you engage with your community like never before!
Many of us have experienced those catchy tunes that get stuck in our heads, but did you know that nearly 45% of people can sing these earworms in perfect pitch?
Singing in a community choir is more than just a musical activity—it's a powerful therapeutic experience
There is a commonly held belief that learning music should only be for those students who are identified as talented or interested. Neuromusical research has shown that music learning can benefit all students in terms of cognitive development.
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Olympics 'Wanna Be Like...' campaign, created to celebrate the excitement of the 2024 Olympic Games!
Take our free, 60 second quiz and maximize your advocacy impact by discovering your advocacy style and knowledge gaps.
Imagine a world without music. There are no high school marching bands, no commercial jingles, and no need for Grammy Awards. It’s a rather dreary thought, yes?
Recent research has revealed that brain training programs for children do not lead to significant improvements in real-world cognitive functions.
Imagine a world where music serves as a powerful tool for healthy aging. Dr. Psyche Loui at Northeastern University explores how music strengthens brain connections, enhancing memory and emotions.
Dr. Seinfeld's research involving participants aged 60 to 85 found that those who took piano lessons showed remarkable improvements in executive functions, attention, and inhibitory control.
Neuroscientist Nina Kraus notes that playing an instrument is one of the richest brain activities, leading to better language and reading skills.
I have been privileged to walk the road with many schools as they transform their school through music learning.