PDF version - The Wholenote Magazine

information about neuroscience findings on music to scientists,educators, and parents. On the accessibility side, we have studiessupporting the benefits of music, including via short-term training onsoftware, which have been published in top scientific journals. In one2011 study, school-aged children used music training software calledSmarter Kids, developed by our lead scientist, Dr. Sylvain Moreno.After only 20 days of training, improvements on measures of verbalintelligence were observed. We are currently extending this theme ofaccessibility, creating software using music to train the aging brain,with very positive preliminary data.”Her summary of the project’s findings to date?: “Everyone canbenefit from music training. A wealth of empirical, neuroscientificevidence supports the positive influence of music training onnumerous non-musical brain functions, such as language, readingand attention. Such benefits are seen in children, and continue acrossthe lifespan into older adulthood. Despite this evidence, music educationis still often seen as a supplemental and expensive subject inschools, and often is the target of budget cuts. Increasing awarenessof the real-world benefits associated with learning music, as well asmaking music training more accessible, are critical steps towardssupporting the inclusion of this important subject in curricula.”As formal Liberal Leader Bob Rae (who has himself been knownto lead a rousing sing-song from the piano) is reported to have statedsome months ago in a debate on financing culture: “Culture is not aluxury.” Couldn’t have said it better myself!DEFINITION DEPARTMENTThis month’s lesser known musical term is basso continuo: Whenmusicians are still fishing long after the legal season has ended.We invite submissions from readers. Let’s hear your daffynitions.Jack MacQuarrie plays several brass instruments andhas performed in many community ensembles. He canbe contacted at bandstand@thewholenote.com.thewholenote.com November 1 – December 7, 2013 | 31