Practice Changes the Brain

This is an example of how the experiences we have shape the way our brains process information. The more often we do something, like practice an instrument, the stronger our brain responses tend to be. Practice might not make perfect, but it does shape how our brains process information. At a microscopic level, it even changes how neurons in our brains are connected to each other. This ability to change the microstructure of our brains is called neuroplasticity.  Neuroplasticity is what allows us to learn new things throughout our lives. 

  • Beat
    the regular pulse of music
    Electroencephalography (EEG)
    a non-invasive method used to measure electrical activity in the brain
    Executive function
    a set of mental abilities that help us focus attention, remember information, and switch between tasks
    Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
    a non-invasive brain imaging technique used to determine which regions of the brain are active
    Meter
    a grouping of beats with specific patterns
    Neuroplasticity
    the ability to change how neurons in our brain are connected to each other
    Pitch
    the measure of how high or low we perceive sounds to be
    Pro-social behavior
    actions that are intended to help others
    Synchronized movement
    movements that occur in sync with musical beats and, or with other people
    Timbre
    the quality of a musical sound or voice that allows us to tell the differences between instruments or voices