By Andrea Norton, Ellen Winner, Karl Cronin, Katie Overy, Dennis J. Lee, Gottfried Schlaug
Brain and Cognition, 59 (2005), 124-134.

Reviewed by Joyce Jordan-DeCarbo, Ph.D., Univeristy of Miami, Coral Gables, FL

The study under review was selected because it lays groundwork for a study in progress that will investigate if musical training changes the structure of the brain and the nature of those changes—whether they be neural, cognitive, or motor development or combinations of all three. The study reviews current research that supports the interconnections enhanced by musical ability. Even though this study goes beyond a strictly focused interest on music and motor skills, it demonstrates that in many ways, music may have an effect on many parts of the brain that allow us to learn varying skills. I find it very encouraging that so many doctors are now utilizing MRI in connection with behavioral performance…