Analysis of Unconventional Musical Notations and Conditions Affecting Cognition: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Music Education
• Music Therapy
• Cognitive Science
• Special Education

Background:

• Individuals with neurodevelopmental and acquired conditions affecting cognition (NACAC) may benefit from specialized musical notations.
• Unconventional musical notations (UMN) are primarily utilized in educational and therapeutic settings for individuals with dyslexia and developmental disabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify existing unconventional musical notations (UMN) for individuals with neurodevelopmental and acquired conditions affecting cognition (NACAC).
• To analyze how these UMN represent various musical elements.
• To synthesize current research on the efficacy and application of UMN in music education and therapy.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was performed adhering to the JBI (formerly Joanna Briggs Institute) methodology.
• A systematic search identified 1,527 documents, from which 50 met the eligibility criteria for analysis.

Main Results:

• Unconventional musical notations (UMN) were categorized into four main types: visually adapted conventional notation, coded UMN, standardized UMN, and multisensory/computer-based notations.
• A comprehensive framework was developed to understand the application of diverse UMN types in music education and therapy for individuals with NACAC.

Conclusions:

• The identified UMN offer diverse approaches to music learning and engagement for individuals with NACAC.
• The developed framework can assist practitioners in selecting appropriate UMN for music education and therapy tailored to individuals with NACAC.