Music and the Brain
Understanding the brain and potential ways that we can protect our cognitive ability as we age has become increasingly important as the baby boom ages and the number of those living with dementia climbs. This course examines music and its influence on the brain, specifically looking at music engagement and training as one non-pharmacological intervention that may influence patient’s cognitive ability and reserve as they age and support them as they utilize our healthcare systems.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Recognize the importance of studying music as a tool healthcare providers can utilize in treating patients holistically.
- Understand the link between music and attention.
- Describe the music engagement model and list the different levels the brain can engage with music.
- Operationalize professional musicianship and explain the affects musical training can have on the brain.
- Verbalize how the brain processes and recognizes music.
- List key differences seen in musicians versus non-musicians brains.
- Identify ways music can affect the body, brain and health status of a patient.
- Utilize music as a non-pharmacological interventions for older adults to mitigate negative health outcomes.
Curriculum
Chapter 1: Background on Music Literature
- Musical Activity and Cognition
- Defining Music Engagement
- Defining Music
Chapter 2: Attention
- Language and Attention
- Music and Attention
- Attention in Bilinguals and Musicians
- Attention and Cognitive Challenge in Music
Chapter 3: Music Engagement Model
- Passive Music Listening
- Active Music Listening
- Active Music Involvement: Level 1
- Active Music Involvement: Level 2
- Active Music Involvement: Level 3
- Highest Level of Active Music Involvement: Professionals
Chapter 4: Professional Musicianship
- Operationalizing Professional Musicianship and Musical Training
- Professional Musicians’ Life Course
- Life Span Perspective of Music Development
- Gooding and Standley’s (2011) Stages
Chapter 5: Music Processing
- Processing While Listening to Music
- Musical Training
Chapter 6: Non-Musicians versus Musicians
- Structural and Chemical Differences
- Grey and White Matter Differences
- Sensory Differences
- Auditory Specific Differences
Chapter 7: Studying Music and Cognition through Neuropsychological Examination
Chapter 8: References
Price: $18.00
Contact Hours: 1.5
Course Author
Catherine Schneider
Dr. Schneider is Ph.D. trained gerontologist who studied non-pharmacological interventions of cognitive impairment at the University of Kentucky.
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