Development of higher mental functions through music lessons: neurocognitive aspects of music learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-28
Author(s):  
M. V. Belousova ◽  
◽  
M. S. Kazinik ◽  
V. A. Merkulova ◽  
N. V. Futina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Cortex ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Musical Instrument ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Music Learning ◽  
Mental Functions ◽  
Passive Listening ◽  
Music Lessons ◽  
Higher Mental Functions ◽  
Subsequent Improvement

The article contains theoretical material on higher mental functions and neurocognitive mechanisms involved in providing various forms of musical learning (playing a musical instrument, singing, working with rhythm). The article provides a niveau identification of the areas of the cerebral cortex involved in the perception and processing of musical impressions, in the implementation of highly coordinated motor activity, auditory control, perception of melody and rhythm. The neurocognitive features are indicated that are formed in a child during active music playing and during passive listening to music. The article provides information on the formation of certain competencies during music lessons and the possibilities of their subsequent improvement in other aspects of educational activities, in sports, in the study of foreign languages, in the development of emotional intelligence, in the training of adaptability and cognitive flexibility.

A.R. Luria’s cultural neuropsychology in the 21st century

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 274-286
Author(s):  
Bella Kotik-Friedgut ◽  
Alfredo Ardila
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Human Cognition ◽  
Cultural Perspective ◽  
Mental Functions ◽  
Clinical Observations ◽  
Cognitive Neurosciences ◽  
Higher Mental Functions

Luria has long been one of the most influential authors in cognitive neurosciences, in particular in neuropsychology. New scientific advances and clinical observations have confirmed many of his proposals and hypotheses. In this paper one of his major ideas is analyzed: the influence of cultural factors on human cognition. The systemic-dynamic Lurian analysis of brain activity is based on Vygotsky's concept of higher mental functions, which are social in origin and complex and dynamic in their structure. Higher mental functions are based on a complex system of operations and means both external and internal. Living conditions and hence cultural characteristics have dramatically changed during the last half century with the development of new media and new virtual ways of communication. Review of contemporary developments supporting the appropriateness and usefulness of these concepts is presented. It is finally concluded that Luria is one of the major founders of contemporary neuropsychology not only from the clinical point of view, but also from the cultural perspective. His influence has continued undiminished during the 21st century.

The role of affect in practicing a musical instrument: A systematic review of the literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 848-863
Author(s):  
Zofia Mazur ◽  
Mariola Laguna
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Instrumental Learning ◽  
Musical Instrument ◽  
Music Learning ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Instrumental Practice ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Context Free

Affect impacts people’s cognitive processes as well as provides the energy to pursue goals and engage in actions. Research suggests that affect might influence instrumental learning behavior. This review aims to summarize the existing literature concerning the relationship between affect and instrumental practice. In order to determine the role of affect in undertaking instrumental practice and in engagement in practice, we conducted a systematic search via electronic databases and reference lists; we also hand-searched the key journals. Studies were included in the review if they concerned both affect and practicing behavior in musicians and instrumental students across all age groups and if the relationships between the two constructs were investigated. We focused on individual instrumental practice in the classical repertoire. Eleven studies met our inclusion criteria. They reported quantitative relationships between affect and the amount of practice or qualitatively described the role of affect in practice engagement. The results of this systematic review show that practicing a musical instrument is associated with different types of affect—practice-related, performance-related, and context-free affect. Further investigation of affect in the context of music learning may inform future interventions for instrumentalists motivating them to practice.

Factors in the motivations of studio-based musical instrument learners in Hong Kong: An in-depth interview study

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 400-414
Author(s):  
Calvin KC Lee ◽  
Bo-Wah Leung
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Basic Needs ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Musical Instrument ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Music Learning ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Motivation Factors ◽  
Depth Interview

In this study, we investigated the factors affecting the motivation of studio-based instrumental learners in Hong Kong. We interviewed a total of 13 participants who learnt the violin and/or the piano. We analyzed the interview data by selective coding accordingly to the three basic needs in the conceptual framework of Basic Psychology Needs Theory, which is one of the mini-theories from Self-Determination Theory. The thematization of basic needs are (1) autonomy, (2) relatedness, and (3) competency. We found relatedness and competence were more related to our participants. This study contributes to the understanding of studio-based, learning-environment characteristics as well as specific motivation factors attributed to the distinctions between the violin and the piano learning environments in Hong Kong. We also discussed the issues of music learning in school and teacher's style of teaching practice.

scholarly journals Cerebral localization of the mind and higher functions The beginnings

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliasz Engelhardt
Keyword(s):  
Nervous Tissue ◽  
The Body ◽  
Ancient Greek ◽  
Mental Functions ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Cerebral Localization ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
Higher Mental Functions ◽  
The Mind ◽  
The Brain

Abstract The debates about the mind and its higher functions, and attempts to locate them in the body, have represented a subject of interest of innumerable sages since ancient times. The doubt concerning the part of the body that housed these functions, the heart (cardiocentric doctrine) or the brain (cephalocentric doctrine), drove the search. The Egyptians, millennia ago, held a cardiocentric view. A very long time later, ancient Greek scholars took up the theme anew, but remained undecided between the heart and the brain, a controversy that lasted for centuries. The cephalocentric view prevailed, and a new inquiry ensued about the location of these functions within the brain, the ventricles or the nervous tissue, which also continued for centuries. The latter localization, although initially inaccurate, gained traction. However, it represented only a beginning, as further studies in the centuries that followed revealed more precise definitions and localizations of the higher mental functions.

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