The brain and musical training
spatial and somatosensory 5 regions. The specific areas mentioned in the study are the primary motor cortex, premotor 6 areas, anterior superior 7 parietal areas and the inferior temporal gyrus as well as the somatosensory areas of the brain. Other areas with a positive correlation include the left cerebellum, left Heschl’s gyrus and the left inferior frontal gyrus. The Heschl’s gyrus is part of the temporal lobe and deals with auditory information and the motor-related regions in conjunction with the left cerebellum play a vital role in the planning, preparation and execution of finger coordination in pianists. Finally, the anterior superior parietal areas is of particular interest as this lobule receives sensory input from the hands and visual input, both of which are essential for playing an instrument. In general, this region is used to integrate multimodal sensory information which includes that of the aforementioned visual and sensory inputs but also auditory and somatosensory information. This information is then used as guidance for motor functions due to its connection to the premotor cortex. In the context of musical instruments, the superior parietal lobe is used substantially in sight-reading which requires fast processing of sensory information in addition to accurate, swift motor operations. Therefore, the higher frequency of use serves as a plausible explanation for the increase of GM volume in musicians. This study shows that musicians’ brains have developed in such a way that should give them better visual-spatial orientation and a shorter processing time for input stimuli than non-musicians. 8
Neural plasticity and the effects of musical training on the developing brain
There are indeed structural differences between the brain of a musician when compared to a non- musician but how, where and when do these changes occur? Brain plasticity or neuroplasticity describes the brain’s tendency to change and grow when exposed to ce rtain stimuli. Throughout your life, the brain would employ various techniques to bring about this change. One way the brain does this is called synaptic pruning in which it ‘ cuts off ’ the neurons which are no longer needed depending on events in life such as puberty. Another method used is called apoptosis where the neurons that are not used frequently enough die off. Alongside the removal of less useful neural pathways, the brain also develops new ones from new experiences and strengthens the ones which are deemed to be more frequently used. 9 In this case, the demand of learning to play a musical instrument stimulates growth in the brain, especially the areas concerned withmotor and auditory function as shown by the previous investigation. As for the duration of training required for observable changes in brain structure to take place, a study by K.L. Hyde et al, published in 2009, found that there were changes which diverged from typical brain development after just 15 months. 10 Importantly, changes found were consistent with the findings from Schlaug and Gaser’s 2003 study. 5 The somatosensory system is a part of the sensory nervous system. It detects external and internal stimuli such as changes in temperature or nociception (chemicals/noxious stimuli). 6 The premotor cortex also serves other functions however we do not fully understand it yet. 7 Anatomical terminology: Superior (above), Inferior (below), Anterior (direction towards the front of the body), Posterior (direction towards the back of the body). Source: Anatomical terminology https://opentextbc.ca/anatomyandphysiology/chapter/1-6-anatomical-terminology/ ( 11/07/20 ). 8 Gaser, C. and Schlaug, G. Brain Structures Differ between Musicians and Non-Musicians https://www.jneurosci.org/content/23/27/9240.full ( 05/07/20 ). 9 Cobarrubias, S. What is Neuroplasticity? - Definition & Concept . https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is- neuroplasticity-definition-depression-quiz.html ( 01/07/20 ). 10 In another article, a literature study, they found that the critical period for maximum effects of musical training on brain development was before the age of 7.Source: Miendlarzewska, E. and Trost, W. Howmusical training
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