When you think about music and executive functioning skills, you may see them as two topics with little possibilities of intersection. After all, the excitement level for both is radically different and the willingness to engage with one is probably higher. I will be honest: until about a year ago, I counted myself as those who thought this way. However, since learning how to play the drums, I have come to understand that, as many reputable scholars have stated, “Learning music involves all the aspects that account for an effective training of executive functions.”[1]Music and executive functioning skills overlap in fascinating ways and reinforce the importance of building necessary life skills in fun ways.
[1] Diamond, Adele, and Kathleen Lee. “Interventions shown to aid executive function development in children 4 to 12 years old.” Science (New York, N.Y.) vol. 333,6045 (2011): 959-64. doi:10.1126/science.1204529
Executive Functioning Skills
Executive functioning skills refer to one’s ability to manage the competing demands in our lives. Strong executive functioning skills make it possible for us to successfully manage our daily activities, whether that be waking up on time for class, navigating a challenging work day, and more. While the list goes on, these skill sets generally come about from our ability to prioritize, stay focused, properly manage time, exercise self-control, and be flexible. When they are used together, executive functioning skills strengthen the very fabric of a healthy life.
The Importance of Music
Studies have shown that musical training can boost the brain’s abilities. Musicians scored significantly better in areas such as attention, working memory, and even processing speed, all of which are aspects of executive functioning skills. With that being said, it would make sense that learning and playing music could lead to an improvement of executive functioning skills. The very act of learning how to read music notes and translate what you have read into sound through intentional movement requires thinking flexibly, organizing, prioritizing, and self-monitoring.
Comparing Executive Functioning Skills & Music
What abilities are needed for strong executive functioning skills, and what skills are needed for music? The overlap might surprise you:
So, What Does this Mean?
Learning to play an instrument requires concentration, as well as self-discipline, problem solving, working memory, planning, and flexibility. Musicians can relate to needing every skill associated with executive functions in order to succeed. Your executive functioning skills are strengthened when you learn that in C Major, there are no black keys. But in D Major, both F and C are played on black keys. Different keys, different key signatures, different arrangements of white and black keys – all of this requires good memory skills and flexible thinking. And how should you plan your practice when you have a recital in two months? You need organization, focused attention, and the ability to prioritize. Here is a short list of other needed executive functioning skills for music:
Inhibitory control. Musicians must focus their attention, set goals, prioritize practice over other activities, plan how to learn a piece, and determine the pieces that need the most work. While working on these skills, they must also maintain emotional control if they have a bad practice or performance. They cannot run offstage yelling, screaming, or crying, even if they feel like it. If they encounter an obstacle, they must not allow their frustrations to overwhelm them but instead need to figure out alternative paths to reach their goal.
Working memory. Musicians use their auditory and visual working memory constantly. They must keep in mind what they just played to know what comes next, remember the new information that the conductor or teacher relayed, incorporate feedback into their interpretation of a piece, accurately read and play music, and copy (echo) the teacher's demonstration. Musicians must practice sheet music until the notes are embedded into their long-term memory, and that act takes dedication and daily practice.
Cognitive flexibility. When following instructions in the music and from the teacher, cognitive flexibility is required for success. If the tempo suddenly speeds up, musicians must be prepared to play faster and adjust their playing and thinking. As musicians try different interpretations of a piece, they consider how the piece will sound from the listener’s perspective and alter their phrasing, tempo, and dynamics. In addition, musicians are constantly listening to the sounds that they produce and making adjustments. They problem solve each time they learn a new piece – what fingering to use here, how to pedal to get clarity, and more.
Self-monitor. Musicians must self-monitor when measuring how they currently play a piece with how they want it to sound, or perhaps with how their favorite pianist plays it. As they reflect upon their progress, musicians might then need to advocate for themselves by seeking assistance or setting more realistic steps to meet their goals.
Final Thoughts
Music is not only rewarding and fun, but is also effective in developing and improving executive functioning skills. Learning a new instrument is a wonderful project for your children to begin this summer, and Thinking Organized is here to help! With our Personalized Executive Function Projects program, your children can avoid the summer slide and maintain the skills they have developed over the course of the school year without the added pressure of grades and deadlines. Your children can choose a project, such as learning an instrument, and set goals with their mentor. In doing so, they will practice their time management, prioritization, planning, flexible thinking, problem-solving skills, and more. Through this program, your children can continue to strengthen their executive functioning skills and have fun while doing so! We are here to help your children make their summer both enjoyable and productive.
Summer 2022 Programs - Registration Open!
Summer is a time of relaxation, but it is also a time of preparation. By reviewing past academic material, students can keep their skills sharp while simultaneously preparing for the upcoming school year. Thinking Organized is offering several exciting programs for students in different age ranges this summer, and we cordially invite you to sign your children up for them!
