Music Changes Brain Functioning and Development

It is well documented that music is a basic and ubiquitous socio-cultural domain in humans. Across human cultures music was a source of affective and pleasurable experience, moving people both physically and emotionally. Researches confirmed that music shapes brain structure and brain function as well. The neuroscience of music suggests that neural oscillations synchronize with musical stimuli. Fundamental dynamical principles based on known neural mechanisms can explain the basic aspects of music perception and performance, as summarized in "neural resonance theory". Music is an integral part of every human society. Music can bring pleasure, calm anxiety, soothe sorrow, inspire and/or stimulate movement, and promote social connections. Musical experiences may also have the remarkable ability to enhance brain and cognitive development, improve function and well-being, optimize the quality of life, and possibly ameliorate the symptoms of a broad range of diseases and disorders. This article summarizes some effects of music on brain functioning and development.