Mozart for Math Scores

1. Mozart for Math Scores By Jemet Martinez Averett University W-425 ED-556

2. What is the “Mozart Effect”? In 1993, researchers at the University of California at Irvine discovered the so-called "Mozart Effect" - that college students who listened to ten minutes of Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D major K448 before taking an IQ test scored nine points higher than when they had sat in silence or listened to relaxation tapes. Other studies have indicated that people retain information better if they hear classical or baroque music while studying (Doud). The Mozart Effect only lasts about 12 minutes and can be induced with just 10 minutes of listening to Mozart's piano sonata K448 or his piano concerto K488. Other classical music of similar structure is likely to also induce the effect, though testing will be needed to prove this .

3. Supporting Data The researchers at Irvine's Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory found that preschoolers who had received eight months of music lessons scored 80 percent higher on object-assembly tasks than did other youngsters who received no musical training (Doud). According to the 1999 "Profiles of SAT and Achievement Test Takers" from The College Board. -Students with coursework in music study/appreciation scored 61 points higher on the verbal portion of the test and 42 points higher on the math portion than students with no coursework or experience in the arts. -Students in music performance scored 53 points higher on the verbal portion and 39 points higher on the math portion than students with no arts participation.

4. What are the benefits? • Physical Benefits • Playing a wind instrument, such as clarinet, flute, trumpet, or saxophone, has physical benefits in terms of lung capacity and breathing technique. Participation in physical activities associated with classical music, such as dancing, playing an instrument, or marching with an instrument, are all beneficial to physical health. Furthermore, exposure to classical music is believed to enhance a student's spatial perception and awareness of their own body in space (Allen, 2010). • Emotional Benefits • Classical music has been shown to decrease anxiety for people in stressful situations. Students can learn to use music as both an expression of their moods, and as a moderator or enhancer of how they feel at any given time (Allen, 2010). • Boosted IQ • While the Mozart Effect involves passive listening to classical music, a Canadian study tested active involvement. That is, the study authors tested the effect of music lessons on children's IQ scores. The study showed that children taking music lessons saw a general increase in overall IQ. The boost was not temporary (Johnson, 2010). • Increased Reward • Blood flow increases to several brain areas, activating autonomic, cognitive, and emotional centers, while another area of the brain releases dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that, among other things, affects mood and the ability to feel pleasure. This dopamine release, occurring as the other brain areas interact, allows a heightened sense of well-being (Johnson, 2010).

5. How can I make it work for my students? Play calming classical music with 50 to 80 beats per minute prior to engaging your students in memorization tasks or test taking. This will help to calm and focus your class (Johnson, 2011). Challenge students to write lyrics to classical music that deal with concepts that you are studying. Have the students sing or rap their lyrics for the class. The song may even be useful in helping the rest of the class remember certain information (Johnson, 2011). Play soft classical music in the background during periods of transition to reduce confusion and behavior problems. Common transitional periods include lining up, entering the classroom and taking out materials (Johnson, 2011). Play classical music during creative activities such as writing or artwork. This can help to stimulate creativity (Johnson, 2011). Play lively classical music during breaks when your students need to stand up, stretch and use some excess energy (Johnson, 2011). Allow students to listen to classical music through headphones during certain individual work times or as a reward (Johnson, 2011).

6. What songs/music should I use? Baroque music (such as Bach, Handel and Telemann) Mozart's piano sonata K448 or his piano concerto K488 Yanni Philip Glass Albinoni and Schubert

7. Why does music have this effect? “The original Mozart effect researchers based their rationale on the trion model of the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex is a part of the brain that helps with, among other things, motor control, speech, memory, and auditory reception. The trion model, developed by Shaw, showed that similar neural firings patterns occur when listening to music and performing spatial tasks. Rauscher and Shaw hypothesized that listening to certain types of complex music may "warm-up" neural transmitters inside the cerebral cortex and thereby improve spatial performance” (Doud).

8. Mean SAT Scores for Students with Coursework or Experience in Music (from the Irvine Center Study) Music: Study or Appreciation -Verbal: 538 -Math: 534 Music Performance -Verbal: 530 -Math: 531 No Coursework or Experience -Verbal: 477 -Math: 492

9. References Allen, J. (2010, June 29). The Benefits of Classical Music for Students. Retrieved March 4, 2011, from eHow: http://www.ehow.com/list_6678222_benefits-classical-music-students.html Doud, K. (n.d.). Composer's Music has noteworthy effect on children. Retrieved March 2, 2011, from http://galigo.tripod.com/mozart.html Johnson, C. (2011, January 25). How to Use Classical Music in the Classroom. Retrieved March 4, 2011, from eHow: http://www.ehow.com/how_7844236_use-classical-music-classroom.html#ixzz1FdyNKDco Johnson, S. (2010, June 15). What Are the Benefits of Classical Music on the Brain? Retrieved March 4, 2011, from eHow: http://www.ehow.com/list_6330082_benefits-classical-music-brain_.html#ixzz1FdxTOUag