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Did Liberace Have Great Working Memory?

I have vivid memories watching Liberace masterfully and playfully tickling the ivory on his ornate pianos as a child of the 70′s. I was always amazed by the ease in which he played. Was he born with this gift? He obviously practiced thousands of hours. But was there something else, another piece to the puzzle of his musical genius? Perhaps, he had great working memory.

A recent study looked at piano player’s ability to sight read a new piece of music. It was published in journal Psychological Science and demonstrated that while practice, practice, practice, leads to great musical performance, that working memory capacity, plays an important role in the level of performance that can ultimately be achieved.

In Malcolm Gladwell’s book The Outliers he shares the body of research that shows regardless of the skill or activity, that over 10,000 hours of consistent practice is required to achieve an expert level of proficiency. Incidentally, Mozart is one of the musical geniuses highlighted in this fascinating discussion. While practice makes perfect, cognitive function must be at a sufficient level to engage and excel at the task, as in the example of the pianist. With that said, cognitive function, working memory in this case is not something which is fixed. What your capacity is today, can be increased, dramatically, to help you excel in all areas of life, including musical performance.

Working memory is of great interest to me, largely because it is becoming increasingly recognized as one of the fundamental cognitive abilities that is key to unlocking our full potential. This is not new information. This is a discovery my father made some 35 years ago, and has fervently pursued since, developing methods to expand working memory and sequential processing ability. Work that I have continued at Advanced Brain Technologies through our BrainBuilder® neurosoftware program which assesses and trains these abilities.

I am pleased to see the research community taking such interest in working memory and look forward to seeing more studies linking cognitive function to musical ability in the future. For you musicians perhaps you may consider some targeted working memory training to accompany your practice and advance your performance to an entirely new level!

Read more about the research linking working memory to musical performance.

Modified Classical Music on iPods Helps Toilet Train Liverpool Children

Published July 8, 2010 The Listening Program , auditory system , autism , brain and technology , brain research , music research , neuroscience Leave a Comment
Tags: Advanced Brain Technologies, auditory, autism, bone conduction, continence, fragile x, incontinence, june rogers, liverpool, music, music research, NHS, ogden utah, special needs, The Listening Program, toilet training

The Liverpool Echo published an article today about the results of a pilot study which examined the effects of modified classical music and a specific protocol to help children with autism and other cognitive and developmental challenges to be toilet trained. This is a world first project, conducted by June Rogers head of NHS Liverpool Community Health’s Integrated Paediatric Continence Service.

Children listened to 30 minutes of music a day through a special audio system which provided the music through both auditory pathways, air and bone conduction. The outcomes are positive and have been presented at European conferences. We now await approval for a large scale clinical trial to confirm these results in a larger sample size.

Continence problems severely impact quality of life, self esteem, and have large costs associated with supporting these children as they enter school. Our protocol holds promise to help children with toilet training problems, reduce costs of services to them, and help them live a happier more fulfilling life.

Note that the program name in the article is incorrect. What is referenced as the Listening Project is supposed to be The Listening Program® developed by Advanced Brain Technologies in Ogden, Utah.

Read the full article

UPDATE: Thank you to the staff at the Liverpool Echo for making the correction to the program name!

Girls with Rett Syndrome Benefit from The Listening Program

Published April 29, 2010 The Listening Program , brain research , music research 1 Comment
Tags: autism, brain research, developmental disorder, International Rett Syndrome Foundation, music therapy, Rett syndrome, Rett syndrome research, sensory processing, The Listening Program, x chromosone

Rett syndrome is a unique developmental disorder first recognized in infancy and is generally seen in girls. It is often misdiagnosed as autism, cerebral palsy, or a developmental delay. Caused by mutations in the X chromosome it occurs in 1 of every 10,000-23,000 female births. Rett syndrome causes problems in the brain affecting; learning, communication, sensory processing, movement, breathing, cardiac function, chewing, swallowing, digestion, and more.

The host of challenges that come with a Rett syndrome diagnosis affect the family as a whole, with most individuals requiring assistance in most every aspect of their life. The needs vary through the four stages of Rett syndrome from Early Onset, Rapid Destructive, Plateau, and on to Late Motor Deterioration.

A British research study showed that 5 girls with Rett Syndrome benefitted from listening to a music listening method developed by my company Advanced Brain Technologies called The Listening Program®. The findings show improvements in a number of areas with the strongest trend toward increased engagement and decreased anxiety. Sensory processing appears to be improving which is consistent with outcomes of other studies. These findings were presented by the investigator Helen Francis at the International Rett Syndrome Congress in Paris back in October 2008.

We are encouraged by these results and the potential to improve the quality of life for those with Rett syndrome. A larger controlled trial should be conducted, and I am hopeful this study will help make that happen.

Review the research poster and learn more about Rett syndrome at the International Rett Syndrome Foundation.

Healing the Brain 2010

Published February 1, 2010 The Listening Program , brain awareness , brain research , music , music research Leave a Comment
Tags: Alex Doman, brain conference, brain health, brain science, charles krebs, daniel amen, Dietrich Klinghardt, Klinghardt Academy of Neurobiology, music listening therapy

The Klinghardt Academy of Neurobiology is holding a conference in Bellevue, Washington this month called Healing the Brain 2010. I will be presenting a talk titled Applications of Music Listening Therapy. If you are interested in leading edge protocols for brain health, this conference will be well worth your time.

HEALING THE BRAIN CONFERENCE 2010
February 19-22, 2010
Hyatt Regency Bellevue, SeattleIn recent years ALS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease, autism and other disorders of the central nervous system are increasing exponentially. Something is happening. What is it?

This conference will explore the hidden causes of brain dysfunction and illness in both children and adults and also carefully discuss available diagnostic and treatment options. Practitioners will come away with a synthesis of new ideas and new, cutting-edge protocols to put into their practice right away.

Healing the Brain is sponsored by the Klinghardt Academy of Neurobiology. Invited guests include Neurologist and Author Eric Braverman, MD, Daniel Amen practitioner Brian Goldman, MD, Master Herbalist Donald J. Yance, Lab Analysis Expert Mark Schauss, Australian Brain Integration Expert Charles Krebs, Coagulation Expert David Berg, MAPS (system to repair brain dysfunction) creator Claudie Gordon-Pomares, Color and Light Therapy Expert Alice Nixon, LCSW and Alex Doman, founder and CEO of Advanced Brain Technologies. Alex will be presenting The Listening Program® method of music listening therapy as it is widely used as an approach to support brain health and performance. A practical understanding of this fusion of art and psychoacoustic science including a discussion of air and bone conduction delivery of sound will be explored.

For more information about this conference:

TO REGISTER: (303) 499-4700 (303) 499-4700 or
http://stores.homestead.com/klinghardt/StoreFront.bok

Music Shown to Improve Communication in Toddlers with Cochlear Implants

Published January 7, 2010 auditory system , brain research , music research Leave a Comment
Tags: cochlear implant, communication, hearing, music, music therapy, toddlers

A new study reveals that music activities can improve communication in toddlers who have received cochlear implants.

Some infants who are born with impaired hearing and who cannot benefit from hearing aids are likely to gain 90% normal hearing ability by undergoing a cochlear implantation procedure. Following the operation, however, the child — who never heard before — undergoes a long rehabilitation process before he or she can begin to speak.

In the present study, Dr. Dikla Kerem of the University of Haifa examined the particular effects that music therapy has on the potential development of toddlers (aged 2-3 years) who have undergone cochlear implantation, specifically in terms of improving spontaneous communication.

“Music comprises various elements that are also components of language and therefore as a non-verbal form of communication is suitable for communication with these children, when they are still unable to use language. Communicative interactions, especially those initiated by the toddlers, are critical in the development of normal communication, as they are prerequisites for developing and acquiring language,” explains Dr. Kerem. She adds that the toddlers undergoing rehabilitation are under much pressure from their surroundings — especially the parents — to begin talking, and sometimes this pressure makes them become introverted. As such, music therapy lends itself to strengthening these children’s nonverbal communication and thereby lessens the pressure on them for verbal exchange and response.[1]

Music can serve to open up the auditory receptivity of these children, lowering their defenses and providing an opportunity to gradually process and understand the components of sound that make up receptive and expressive language. It is a way into a fragile system in need of gentle stimulation and support.

Read the full article.

[1] University of Haifa (2010, January 7). Music therapy can assist toddlers’ communication rehabilitation process. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 7, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2010/01/100106093636.htm

Music Program Helps Children with Down Syndrome

Published December 11, 2009 The Listening Program , auditory system , music research Leave a Comment
Tags: bone conduction, caroline newton, down syndrome, down syndrome treatments, gwyneth jeyes, music research, speech and language pathologist, The Listening Program, trisomy 21, world down syndrome congress

Hearing and speech are common challenges for children with Down Syndrome or Trisomy 21. Susceptible to chronic ear fluid and infections, auditory development is a crucial area of focus when taking a comprehensive approach to helping these children reach their innate potential.

If hearing is impacted, so is listening, auditory processing, receptive and expressive language, and cognitive function. One broken link in the chain creates a domino effect in terms of development of learning, behavior and communication.

Music listening therapy is a viable intervention for children with Down Syndrome. We have seen wide and varied success with The Listening Program® over the years, with the greatest success when the music is provided with a specialized audio system we developed called the ABT Bone Conduction Audio System™ that connects to an iPod or portable CD player and delivers the music simultaneously through air conduction and subtle vibrations through bone conduction. This integrated approach delivers a more reliable auditory signal to the brain helping to train it to discriminate sound and support other functions of the autonomic and central nervous systems.

A study was conducted by Gwyneth Jeyes and Caroline Newton in the UK in which a group of kids with Down Syndrome completed just half of the recommended minimum 50 hour protocol of The Listening Program® which is spread over the course of several months, with daily listening sessions of 15 or 30 minutes. These kids ages 5 to 12 yrs listened for just 25 hours and without the added bone conduction training. Even at this level of intervention all but one of the nine children showed improvements in listening, speech and language skills based on parent surveys. Other improvements were also seen in several of the children.

These results were presented in a Poster Session at the 1oth World Down Syndrome Congress in Dublin back in August. While the study is small, the outcomes are consistent with reports from Speech and Language Pathologists and other practitioners using The Listening Program® with their clients with this chromosomal anomaly. I am hopeful that we will see interest in see a larger, controlled study.

Read or download the poster.

Mozart Soothes Premature Babies

Published December 9, 2009 music research 4 Comments
Tags: baby, infant, mozart, music for babies, music research, newborn, pediatrics, premature, the mozart effect

My wife and I just returned from an appointment with our OB to check on the progress of our son Brendan who is due to arrive in January. As an expectant father and producer of therapeutic music programs I am a huge believer in the positive benefits of exposing our son to music in utero and beyond.

So, I just opened my email and sitting in my Inbox is a study forwarded to me by my friend and collaborator Don Campbell that demonstrates that Mozart soothes premature babies. Now, this is no revelation for those of us in the field, but it it gratifying to see researchers continue to study the effects of music on newborns, at a time when our auditory system is most vulnerable to the onslaught of noise we are faced with as we exit the birth canal and leave the warmth and comfort of the fluid filled womb.

The Israeli study demonstrated that healthy, premature infants who listened to Mozart had a 10-13 % reduction in resting energy expenditure compared to those with no music exposure. The study did not evaluate other music and has not been replicated but the findings are interesting and support further scientific exploration. This study will be published in the January print issue of the journal Pediatrics. Read the story in the online edition of U.S. News & World Report.

So, when Brendan arrives will there be music to greet him? The answer is an unequivocal YES!! What will he be listening to? Well, to be honest the award-winning Music for Babies collection that I co-produced with my dear friend Richard Lawrence a few years ago. Newborn or otherwise, I can assure you Sleepy Baby and Peaceful Baby will ease the stress of your day.

New Autism Study Demonstrates The Listening Program Improves Auditory Skills

Published December 2, 2009 The Listening Program , auditory system , autism , music research Leave a Comment
Tags: Advanced Brain Technologies, asd, auditory processing, autism, autism spectrum disorders, music listening therapy

A new study in the UK demonstrates The Listening Program® developed by Advanced Brain Technologies improves auditory skills in children with autism.

“A Study to Establish Whether the Use of The Listening Program is Effective in Improving Auditory Skills for Children with Autism” was presented by Gwyneth Jeyes at the Developmental Practitioners Association Conference “Children Matter” In Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom back in September.

Twelve children on the autism spectrum ranging in age from 5 yrs. 8 mo. to 12 yrs. 4 mo. in Northern Ireland participated in the study. Results from the SCAN-C test for Auditory Processing Disorders demonstrated improvements in auditory skills in all children who completed The Listening Program® method of music listening therapy.

The Listening Program® has been widely used for more than a decade to reduce auditory hypersensitivites, improve auditory discrimination, increase communication skills, and social engagement for children on the autism spectrum. The outcomes of this research are encouraging, consistent with other studies, and warrant the design of a larger, controlled study to explore the feasibility of more widespread use of this music listening therapy method to improve auditory processing skills for children with autism spectrum disorders.

To read the full study

iPod Therapy Opens Memories for Alzheimer’s Patients

Published November 26, 2009 Alzheimer's , brain research , music , music research 1 Comment
Tags: Alzheimer's Disease, brain, concetta tomiano, institute for music and neurological function, ipod, music therapy

Music works, music heals; it unlocks our emotions, creativity, spirituality, and the infinite potential of the brain. It is also a way to tap into the memories of someone suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease according to Dr. Concetta Tomaino, who has studied the therapeutic effects of music for more than 30 years.

Caregivers have observed for decades that Alzheimer’s patients can still remember and sing songs long after they’ve stopped recognizing names and faces. Many hospitals and nursing homes use music as recreation, since it brings patients pleasure. But beyond the entertainment value, there’s growing evidence that listening to music can also help stimulate seemingly lost memories and even help restore some cognitive function.

“What I believe is happening is that by engaging very basic mechanisms of emotions and listening, music is stimulating dormant areas of the brain that haven’t been accessible due to degenerative disease,” says Concetta Tomaino, executive director of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, a nonprofit organization founded at Beth Abraham in 1995. 1

Read the complete article by Melinda Beck in The Wall Street Journal.

1Retrieved November, 26, 2009 The Wall Street Journal “A Key for Unlocking Memories” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704538404574540163096944766.html

Music and the Brain: A Symposium with Integrated Live Performances

Published September 24, 2009 brain research , music research Leave a Comment
Tags: chronobiology, Cleveland Clinic, music and the brain, neuromusic, neuroscience, sanoson, Vera Brandes

On October 30th the Cleveland Clinic Arts & Medicine Institute is presenting Music and the Brain: A Symposium with Integrated Live Performances in collaboration with Lincoln Center in New York, NY.

Neuroscience and music is an area that is finally beginning to get the attention it deserves. This symposium focuses on the relationship between music and the nervous system. It is aimed at educating physicians about this novel and unique field of “neuromusic” which studies the effect of music on the normal and abnormal physiology of the nervous system, treats certain neurological conditions using music as a therapeutic tool and treats the neurological consequences of misuse of music. It also aims at educating physicians about the status of research in the field of music and the brain.

I am attending the symposium, and one of my colleagues, Vera Brandes, will be presenting a talk on the chronobiological aspects on the use of music. Vera’s company Sanoson, focuses on the prescriptive use of music as a healing modality and designs custom music systems for medical facilities. Those of you acquainted with my work are aware that my company Advanced Brain Technologies develops neurobased therapeutic music programs: so this conference is of great interest to me, especially since I have been co-writing a book on the topic with Don Campbell (The Mozart Effect) for the course of the past year.

For more information or to register visit http://bit.ly/3cJwiz. If you attend please introduce yourself!

The Brain Understanding Itself