Content area
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to review the current neurological research in order to show the importance of the use of the whole brain, to give scientific support to aesthetic music education and to determine the implications for music instruction for young children.
The capacities or abilities in music as a discipline include the cognitive, the affective and the psychomotor domains. Brain research which is related to music as a phenomenon has been studied, on these same areas though it has concentrated primarily on cognitive function. According to research findings, the left brain may take a greater role in sequential and analytical aspects of music, while the right brain may play a more important role in processing the total sound, which is related to the emotional aspect of music. Therefore, the integration of the two modes of thinking, i.e., those of the right and left brain, is needed for the fun understanding music.
A holistic approach to music education proposed in this study is based on a sense of wholeness having two basic ideas; the musical mind using the whole brain and an aesthetic experience focusing on wholeness. Holistic education nurtures the development of the whole person. The aesthetic domain is an area in which music makes unique contributions to the development of the whole being. This concept is now reinforced by current neurological research which supports the viability of the ‘whole brain/mind’. In music, it is impossible to consider the cognitive, affective and physical domains as isolated areas. Music education which focuses on aesthetic education can be considered as a means of healing fragmentation of knowledge and experience. Aesthetic music education is comprehensive education. Music education is not a process for providing a number of professional musicians or music educators. Rather, it is a process for cultivating the whole child/person.
Recently, scientists have discovered how young children develop emotionally and intellectually from their very first days. The early years are very important since this is the time when the malleable mind is being formed. Research findings provide clear implications for music instruction. Implications for music education for young children are discussed.
