Music & Proof

The most common feedback I've received from people who have bought my music is, “Maxine, I've listened to your CD over and over again.  It’s great! Very inspiring”.  

I’m always grateful for letters, emails, and text messages, but I was overwhelmed with joy the other day, and pondered the importance of music in my life.  While doing so a thought came across my mind.  “Is their scientific proof of the consequences of music? Are there any deep biological roots (relating to the brain development of music?)

Deep questions right! Lol! This is one of my minor thoughts that goes into the process of music from me. Haha!

Anyways, while thinking about these thoughts and a thousand more, I also wondered if our culture ignored the possibility of the deep development of music?  And if we only consider music as pure entertainment, instead of remedies, or even education.

So in my curiosity state of mind, I did some research and found I wasn't the only one who has pondered on this question.  Norman M Weinberger, a Professor of Neurobiology of learning and memory, at California University, also pondered this question and wrote a research paper on “Brain, behavior, biology, and music”.  Excellent read! Btw!

While reading a large amount of his 445372, page document, I have come to assure you that there indeed is scientific proof of music building brain sensory impressions, cognitive skills, planning movements, motor skills, feedback evaluation, learning and memory brain developments, and many more skills that benefit mankind.  It also creates a cultural commonalty within different countries and races.

Even evolutionists have recognized and considered music being created for non-human spices like animals.  For instance birds, cats, and monkeys.  This explains why these animals have a 7 second singing pattern of melody within their speech.  For instant when a bird chirps in song. 

What does this have to do with me?  Well, it scientifically proved to me that there is a positive reaction to music, and a negative reaction to music that each have their own stimulants, deeper than I ever even realized or considered.

Music is art! And sadly like anything, art can damage brain development.  A lot of times we take music in as pure entertainment.  Many consider it just background music at the restaurant, something upbeat to exercise to, or the soundtrack that helped a certain scene in a movie, but music is more than that!

Music is considered on the same level as gaining a good education, attending the best college, or heading towards a great career.   My wise mother once told me “whatever you put in will come out”.  Entertainment eventually comes out.  If you like it, great! If you like the rush of entertainment but not necessarily the story line, morals or values, watch out! It will eventually affect your actions.

A world religious leader, Howard W Hunter said in his biography that “Our action is the bosom of our thoughts."

Why is this important to know? Because a great song writer writes music that does more than merely entertain.  They write music that inspires.

If you haven't heard my music visit www.maxinesoakai.com today! Or find me on iTune 

Until then,  Ofaz