BENGALURU: An ongoing study, conducted by researchers at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans), Bengaluru, shows that children with musical training have better language skills.
So how does music help with linguistic skills? “In the brain, there is shared neural space for language and music processing. Language and music have a lot of common components. In fact, evolutionarily, researchers say that music predated language. Music is the foundation on which language has been formed,” explains Dr Shantala Hegde, additional professor, clinical neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience centre, Nimhans, who is also a student of Hindustani music.
“Music has a profound effect on phonological processing (use of sounds of one’s language to process words) and attention. Children, who listen to music, have better working memory too. All these are accounted in their overall IQ. So music should be an integral part of the school curriculum,” says Dr Hegde, who believes music is the highest form of cognitive function of the brain.
Dr Hegde works with the Music Cognition Laboratory at Nimhans, which is the first-of-its-kind laboratory, involved in research work on the relationship between music and neuroscience. The lab also focuses on neuropsychological rehabilitation. It uses music as a method of intervention in people with clinical conditions like Parkinson’s Disease, head injury, depression, schizophrenia and dyslexia. The intervention programmes help enhance their cognitive function as music engages both hemispheres of the brain and multiple neural networks, say experts. Patients with stroke and aphasia may have difficulty in uttering words, which they can improve through singing, show studies. “Even passive listening can have beneficial effects. It can improve your cognitive function,” says Dr Hegde.
“Apart from being a creative artform and its entertainment value, specific music forms have been associated with improvement of mood, alleviation of anxiety, improved sleep, reduced pain perception as well as improved focus and concentration. In addition to psychological well-being, it has been shown to improve immunity and physiological function, suggesting it’s impact on physical health,” adds Dr Pratima Murthy, director, Nimhans.
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