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Making music Making music
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THE BIG IDEA 60 seconds to change the world Can a simple idea help make the world a better place? Each week we ask a guest to outline an idea to improve all our lives. Here, neuroscientist Gregory Berns believes everyone should learn to play music.THE BIG IDEA 60 seconds to change the world Can a simple idea help make the world a better place? Each week we ask a guest to outline an idea to improve all our lives. Here, neuroscientist Gregory Berns believes everyone should learn to play music.
When I say make music, that means sing, play an instrument, or simply bang out a rhythm by whatever means that are available to you.When I say make music, that means sing, play an instrument, or simply bang out a rhythm by whatever means that are available to you.
I do not mean computer games like Guitar Hero.I do not mean computer games like Guitar Hero.
It doesn't matter whether you have talent or if you think you're tone deaf - the simple act of producing a rhythmic or harmonious statement, teaches us skills that so often fall by the wayside in modern life. FROM BBC WORLD SERVICE More from The ForumDownload the 60 Second PodcastIt doesn't matter whether you have talent or if you think you're tone deaf - the simple act of producing a rhythmic or harmonious statement, teaches us skills that so often fall by the wayside in modern life. FROM BBC WORLD SERVICE More from The ForumDownload the 60 Second Podcast
I think it's a shame that we take music for granted now, perhaps it is because music is so ubiquitous but I see music as something to celebrate humanity. I think it's a shame that we take music for granted now, perhaps it is because music is so ubiquitous. But I see music as something to celebrate humanity.
I see it as something every man, woman and child should do on a daily basis.I see it as something every man, woman and child should do on a daily basis.
Apart from developing communication skills, making music helps us to listen to each other.Apart from developing communication skills, making music helps us to listen to each other.
It is impossible to make music with other people without listening to your fellow musicians.It is impossible to make music with other people without listening to your fellow musicians.
Making music also develops motor skills, it develops parts of the brain that would otherwise not be used - and most importantly, it feels good. Making music also develops motor skills. It develops parts of the brain that would otherwise not be used - and most importantly - it feels good.
Gregory Berns is the Director of the Centre for Neuropolicy at Emory University in Atlanta, USA.Gregory Berns is the Director of the Centre for Neuropolicy at Emory University in Atlanta, USA.
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Below is a selection of your comments.I always regretted the fact that I couldn't play an instrument - then, three years ago, I took up the harmonica. I can't think of anything that has given me more pleasure. (It's also great for keeping me chilled-out in traffic jams.)Kelly Mouser, Upminster, England
Absolutely, making music feels good. It's a wonderful form of expression, and playing with other people requires cooperation and the ability to listen, not just to what's being played, but what direction people want to take. It can be an awesome form of communication, but (sadly) this seems to have been lost somewhere in the formulaic rubbish that is so prevalent these days.Megan, Perth, Australia
I am a professional bassist (playing since the age of eight through church). But I am also a former head of finance and chartered management accountant with two degrees. The biggest benefits are the abilities to effectively work collaboratively as a team, and confidently respond to unstructured problem solving issues in areas that would otherwise be impossible to achieve.Rickey, Kings Langley, UK
Kodaly, the great Hungarian composer, ethonmusicologist and educator said that music belonged to everyone and that music was the most uplifting activity - that it was one of the most powerful forces in the rise of mankind. Music, he said, reached parts of the soul that could not be reached by any other means. He also advocated that singing was the best way because it was the first instrument and everyone had a voice.David Vinden, London
My daughter and I sing every day and my son plays guitar my partner guitar and keyboards on practically a daily basis. Its part of our lives and we love it, we can't help it. I'd like this guy to be the medical advisor to the BBC instead of the persistent gloom mongers.Genevieve Pink, Antwerp, Belgium
Music helps on so many levels. Helps one understand different points of views, helps those who have problems with math, and in my case is the best way to calm oneself and clear the mind.Eden Richardson, New York City
Once again the music camp desperately trying to make music sound like it has no other purpose than entertainment and no place in scientific realm - just said in a roundabout way to make it appear the opposite. This is why schools waste so much damn money on art and music and refuse to accept they are hobbies. Computer games increase kids' reaction times, hand eye co-ordination and teamwork but you don't see them being paid for with taxpayers money.Chris, Edinburgh
I'm a doctor and I bought a plastic piano in 2004 after getting home from a very, very exhausting 24 hour call shift. I taught myself scales and chords and now have a fairly serious studio and have produced songs myself and for others. Music has served as the ultimate relaxer, communicating instrument, and has led to a discovery of "me".Dr O, Atlanta, US
As a singer I am always at a loss if I haven't sung for a while. As a singing teacher I have watched children with Asberger's excel when taught singing and music. The average child's language skills benefit when learning a music - especially singing, and maths skills also benefit when children are taught theory alongside an instrument. I am speaking purely from observation and experience.Hayley Davies, Guildford
I got a guitar for Christmas when I was 11. Having never held an interest in sport I had been shy at school where if you weren't playing football you were socially isolated. An interest in music and the opportunity to get together and play with like minded folk was of huge benefit to me and the best present I ever or am likely to ever receive.Rob, Macclesfield
I believe that anyone who learns to play an instrument must learn to accompany. I play violin in a number of amateur orchestras, and you can always tell the ones who never played with anyone else. They go blithely on playing at their own speed, not listening to others around them. I find that playing the piano/keyboard is useful, especially with a soloist (voice, violin, oboe, clarinet), because, by default, theirs is the more important part, and if you don't listen, you're in trouble.David Morgan, Hyde, Cheshire
Making music is both selfish and selfless. In a group it's fantastic to create something that complements a song and even more enjoyable to witness someone create something out of thin air. Lees, Manchester
I dislike things like Guitar Hero, because people who might benefit from learning an instrument will play out their fantasies on a machine instead. However, not everyone has musical ability and there are those who really should not be left in charge of a real instrument. For them, the forgiving world of Guitar Hero is as close as they will get. There is no substitute for learning the real thing though.Sam, Bristol