In 2006, I was privileged to attend a round table on Mental Health and the Arts at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. And again, in 2007, Healing and the Arts.
Many of the presentations made, and the discussions, have stayed with me.
Canada is the world leader in research regarding music and the brain. Without going into each of the individual presentations, it has been found that music can be used to help in pain management at cancer centres like the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. A program in Saskatoon, Music Sensory Awakening, has been successful in treating autistic children.
Research in Montreal showed that patients suffering from memory loss could remember the words to songs and sing them, when it was impossible for them to write those words out, or even name the song. A doctor in Calgary has found that while listening to a favourite piece of music, a Parkinson's patient was able to walk more smoothly.
Clearly, music has a special function in our brains which is only beginning to be explored. And perhaps some of this research can help those of us with mental health conditions.
Some of the presenters cautioned that not all music has a positive effect. For example, one patient began to cry when presented with music she had heard in a concentration camp. (Although, this might also be seen as a method of grieving, important to our mental health.)
I've watched several documentaries on the topic of music and the brain.
Studies in Britain have been conducted of babies in utero listening to various kinds of music. The unborn children seem to like classical music, while grimacing and turning away from aggressive rock.
Downtown Rideau in Ottawa has problems with street crime. To help curb that phenomena, McDonald's has started playing classical music piped out into the street. I would like to know the outcome of that tactic. While it is nice for me, does it prevent people from acts of aggression? Although there must be something to it, if McDonald's is doing it.
Film makers have long known the use of music in setting up scenes to elicit emotions. You know something bad is about to happen when you hear ominous music.
Research has shown there is a positive correlation between mathematical skills in children who are taught music or play an instrument.
With all the positives involved in listening to, and learning to play certain types of music, it is a wonder music is not used more often as a teaching aid and/or a treatment therapy.
How is music processed in our brains? How can it help us modulate our emotions?
To be continued...
Many of the presentations made, and the discussions, have stayed with me.
Canada is the world leader in research regarding music and the brain. Without going into each of the individual presentations, it has been found that music can be used to help in pain management at cancer centres like the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. A program in Saskatoon, Music Sensory Awakening, has been successful in treating autistic children.
Research in Montreal showed that patients suffering from memory loss could remember the words to songs and sing them, when it was impossible for them to write those words out, or even name the song. A doctor in Calgary has found that while listening to a favourite piece of music, a Parkinson's patient was able to walk more smoothly.
Clearly, music has a special function in our brains which is only beginning to be explored. And perhaps some of this research can help those of us with mental health conditions.
Some of the presenters cautioned that not all music has a positive effect. For example, one patient began to cry when presented with music she had heard in a concentration camp. (Although, this might also be seen as a method of grieving, important to our mental health.)
I've watched several documentaries on the topic of music and the brain.
Studies in Britain have been conducted of babies in utero listening to various kinds of music. The unborn children seem to like classical music, while grimacing and turning away from aggressive rock.
Downtown Rideau in Ottawa has problems with street crime. To help curb that phenomena, McDonald's has started playing classical music piped out into the street. I would like to know the outcome of that tactic. While it is nice for me, does it prevent people from acts of aggression? Although there must be something to it, if McDonald's is doing it.
Film makers have long known the use of music in setting up scenes to elicit emotions. You know something bad is about to happen when you hear ominous music.
Research has shown there is a positive correlation between mathematical skills in children who are taught music or play an instrument.
With all the positives involved in listening to, and learning to play certain types of music, it is a wonder music is not used more often as a teaching aid and/or a treatment therapy.
How is music processed in our brains? How can it help us modulate our emotions?
To be continued...
Today's column is dedicated to my dear friend, Louisa, who made it possible for me to attend the National Art Centre forums.
Thank you Lou.
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