Music Impact

ABSTRACT: This article from the Washington Post examines the link between music and memory retrieval. The article specifically focuses on how people suffering from forms of dementia like Alzheimer's can often recall lyrics to songs from their earlier days, even while struggling to retain short-term memories. The link between music and memory is compared to the way memories also link to olfaction. REVIEWER: Peter...

ABSTRACT: In a fascinating example that shows just how potent playing a musical instrument - in this case guitar - can be for combatting progressive neurological diseases such as Parkinson's, which effects more than 10 million people worldwide, a study done by the Parkinson's Disease Journal showed how even beginners can experience "improvement in mood and overall quality of life, and, for some, motor functions, including...

ABSTRACT: In 2017, the rapper DJ Logic wrote and titled a song after the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number: "1-800-273-8255." It was a hit running its way up the Billboard charts that year. Calls to the Lifeline that year increased almost 30%, primarily due to the song. As a result of the increased calls, researchers have evidence of a reduction in the suicides that year,...

ABSTRACT: Doctors from the University of Cincinnati are researching innovative ways to battle brain fog, and a new study has tested the waters of virtual music therapy. The app is reportedly being implemented in a randomized study conducted by Sengupta and her colleagues, wherein breast cancer survivors who are experiencing brain fog are assigned to one of two groups: those who listen to music 15...

ABSTRACT: The use of music in environmental education (EE) can help to inform students through ideas incorporated in musical lyrics, while also enhancing interest in environmental topics. Music can also enhance perceptions of the value of the natural world, especially when nature itself is recognized as being musical. This article discusses historical and contemporary connections between music and nature, including musical sounds in nature, the fusion...

ABSTRACT: This paper examines how two organizations, Hello Insight and Guitars Over Guns, have teamed up to measure the impact of Guitars Over Guns’ music mentoring programs on their participants and specifically through the lens of Social and Emotional Learning and the Theory of Change. Both of these important concepts are described in the body of this document. The Covid-19 Pandemic has had huge impacts on...

ABSTRACT: In an interesting article on the historical assumptions that music roles are defined by human sexuality - i.e. "sopranos versus tenors", Stephen Paparo, Ph.D. lays out several suggestions for creating LGBTQ+ classrooms that apply to music/vocal education, but also go well beyond this. The article focuses mainly on how gender is perceived in the vocal arts, and how to create a nurturing environment for...

ABSTRACT: From the article: The purpose of this qualitative interview study was to understand the experiences and perspectives of certified music therapists (MTAs) in their work with LGBTQ+ youth in Canada. Implications are discussed for Canadian music therapy practice, training and education, and research, and limitations of the study are presented. This study aims to expand knowledge of how music therapists in Canada can best support...

ABSTRACT: Laureus USA and the Allstate Foundation released the results of a comprehensive study conducted by Hello Insight, which shows that youth sports programs play a significant role in fostering critical social and emotional learning (SEL) skills necessary to succeed in school, careers, and life. These sport-based youth development (SBYD) programs have a particularly strong impact on young men of color and youth in under resourced...

ABSTRACT: This paper examines how two organizations, Hello Insight and Guitars Over Guns, have teamed up to measure the impact of Guitars Over Guns’ music mentoring programs on their participants and specifically through the lens of Social and Emotional Learning and the Theory of Change. Both of these important concepts are described in the body of this document. The Covid-19 Pandemic has had huge impacts on...