23.7. 1993 Vitoria-Gasteiz / Spain - World Federation of Music Therapy

L A I N F L U E N C I A D E L A M Ú S I C A S O B R E L A
F U N C I Ó N C O G N I T I V A D E L O S E S T U D I A N T E S
Q U E A S I S T E N A C L A S E S P R Á C T I C A S D E
A N A T O M I A H U M A N A
GERTINA J. BEZUIDENHOUT
The influence of music on man is an undeniable factor
which can be researched, evaluated and described by
the Cybernetics and Systems theory. Man functions
within different time-spatial contexts where he interacts
with other systems in the environment, and which has
recursive influences on him. Music can be seen as a
system with its own dynamic interaction between the
parts, and functioning as a whole. A musical
composition cannot be seen as a live system open to
influences from outside, but it can enter into relationship
with man becoming part of the larger context, and
737
interacting with the parties in this larger context. Both
precomposed music and music improvised in a
therapeutic setup, can thus be seen as systems that
enter the interactional context with man, whether it be in
therapy or in everyday life.
Much research has been done on the influence of music
on the emotive and cognitive subsystems of the
individual. In this research the improvisational technique
proposed by Bradford Keeney to enhance therapeutic
skills, was used as a creative technique to study,
evaluate and describe the influence of music on the
congnitive functioning observed in a learning
environment or context. This method provides for a
presenting gallery or situation analysis where all the
variables are evaluated for the direct and indirect
influence they have on cognitive functioning. In the
bridging gallery, the context is further developed to lead
to the therapeutic gallery in which goals are set, and