Music Education Leads to an Increase in Ones' IQ
NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Akron , OH , United States , 02/03/2007 -
Drumming increases heart rate and blood flow just like an aerobic exercise.
Music education is imperative for brain power.
The process of drumming engages both the linear, (rational left brain) and
the creative, (intuitive right brain). It slows the brain waves to around 8
cycles per second, the exact frequency of the earth.
Improved IQ scores can now officially be added to the growing list of
benefits from playing drums. A recent study shows that playing the drums or
other percussion instruments actually improves IQ scores of children. While
previous studies have hinted that musical training improves a child's
literacy and math skills, this is the first time that a study has shown that
one's intelligence level can be improved by drumming.
Playing the drums makes the brain think in a way that very few activities
can,� said Pat Brown, International Drum Month chairman and Percussion
Marketing Council co-executive director. “Being able to understand musical
notes and dissect how rhythms work and go together is a very complicated
thought process. The most recent study shows that being constantly exposed
to this type of brain activity can actually improve one's IQ level.
According to the study by E. Glenn Shallenberg at the University of
Toronto , IQ test scores of 6-year-old children significantly improved after
receiving drum lessons. Shallenberg recruited a group of 144 six (6) year
olds and separated them into 4 groups: those receiving drum lessons, voice
lessons, drama lessons and no lessons. Children receiving the drum lessons
showed significant improvement in their IQ tests, gaining an average of 7 IQ
points. Meanwhile, children receiving voice lessons increased 6 points,
those receiving drama lessons increased 5 points and children receiving no
lessons improved 4 points. In his article in Psychological Science,
Shallenberg concluded that musical training, in particular, was responsible
for the extra IQ points.
Among the other benefits of playing the drums are improved musical
coordination and brain activity; physical therapy, and stress relief;
improved social skills such as team work, self-esteem, discipline, improved
abstract thought processes, a tool for creative expression, a balance for
internal energy, life long enrichment, a great mood lifter, physical
fitness, responsibility and a fun alternative to other less productive
activities.
As drumming continues to remain one of the fastest growing segments within
the musical instrument industry, the various benefits of drumming and
percussion are increasing in visibility and validity. Drumming is also now
gaining recognition among researchers and scientists when it comes to
serving as a therapeutic tool. We all know that percussion is a great outlet
for letting off steam and exhibiting creative energy. Recent studies,
however, have shown that percussion, and drumming in particular, can boost
the immune system, which goes a long way towards reducing stress and
improving one's health.
A USA Today article titled "The Rhythm of Life" noted a study led by
neurologist Barry Bittman of the Mind-Body Wellness Center in Meadville,
Pennsylvania. The study found that patients who took part in group drumming,
or drum circles, experienced increased levels of disease fighting immune
system cells, also known as natural killer cells. In an industry-sponsored
study, Bittman tested the blood chemistry of 111 healthy people in a series
of experiments. Bittman says participants in all groups experienced a drop
in cortisol; an indicator of stress but only the group of active drummers
had a significant increase in the natural killer cells.
As an explanation, Bittman attributes this difference to the stress reducing
benefits of self-expression, camaraderie and rhythmic drumming. Sound waves
have a profound effect on body cells. As an example, contempory medical
practices such as ultrasound used for healing scar tissue and reducing
inflammation actually help the immune system produce more disease fighting
cells. Thus, drumming or percussion activities can boost the immune system.
The Federation of Drums and Percussion teaches everything there is to know
about drums like musician injuries, drum mechanics, how to read and write
drum notation, over 100 rudiments, subscriptions to drumming magazines, the
best drummers to follow, a monthly featured drummer, music attorney for
consultations, insurance for your every need including tour, composer and
studio. We teach all of the basics from balance to even more advanced
techniques. We even host drum circles, drum clinics and various drum
competitions.
References are as follows:
Pat Brown, International Drum Month chairman and Percussion Marketing
Council co-executive director
E. Glenn Shallenberg at the University of Toronto
Neurologist Barry Bittman of the Mind-Body Wellness Center in Meadville ,
Pennsylvania
Agency / Source: Federation of Drums and Percussion
