The Road of Focused Arts Training

Harness Passion, Attention and Social Intelligence: Focused Arts Training

” If there were a surefire way to improve your brain, would you try it? Judging by the abundance of products, programs and pills that claim to offer “cognitive enhancement,” many people are lining up for just such quick brain fixes. Recent research offers a possibility with much better, science-based support: that focused training in any of the arts—such as music, dance or theater—strengthens the brain’s attention system, which in turn can improve cognition more generally.“ – Michael I. Posner and Brenda Patoine

Music training strengthens several brain circuits and leads to improvements in listening, motor skills and cognition. The physical skills mastered in dance improves motivation, mastery, mood and social intelligence. Attention researcher Dr. Michael I.Posner advises parents: “Encourage your child to find an art form they love and to pursue it with passion.”

Sophia: Saved by Music

Sophia’s mother was concerned because her 12 year old daughter was underachieving in school. Sophia was described as unfocused, unmotivated, disorganized and not completing her schoolwork. She had debilitating test anxiety, partially related to her inadequate preparation for exams.

Sophia was artistic, imaginative, loved animals and excelled at playing the flute. She also played the clainet, piano, harp and saxophone.

Sophia’s passion was music. Encouraged to increase her talent by performing clarinet solos, playing in the orchestra and entering competitions, Sophia felt better about herself and was able to enjoy her accomplishments. She also shared her love of music with others. One afternoon, she played her flute over the phone for my wife who was in the hospital.

Because the 5 Safe Roads Program built upon Sophia’s love of music, coming to Sparks of Genius became the highlight of her week. We used executive skills coaching to teach Sophia how to organize, plan and prioritize.  5 Safe Roads To Increase Attention Skills

Self-regulation training enabled her to reduce anxiety and control her emotions. Her positive mood and preparation enabled her to succeed at test taking, improving her grades.

At the completion of her program Sophia wrote: “The flute is one of the best instruments you could possibly play. If you are allowed to get an instrument, I would highly prefer the flute because it is an amazing experience, and once you start it, it will be very, very hard to stop.” 

Quote from the Experts: Dr. Michael I. Posner and Brenda Patoine

“From our perspective, it is increasingly clear that with enough focused attention, training in the arts likely yields cognitive benefits that go beyond “art for art’s sake.” Or, to put it another way, the art form that you truly love to learn may also lead to improvements in other brain functions.”

Focused Arts Training is Part of the 5 Safe Roads Program

Recent Research

1) “Focused training in any of the arts – such as music, dance or theater – strengthens the brain’s attention system, which can in turn improve cognition more generally. (Michael I. Posner and Brenda Patoine, (2010). How Arts Training Improves Attention and Cognition. Cerebrum: Emerging Ideas in Brain Science, pp. 12-22. Washington, D.C. Dana Press.

2) Music training changes a child’s brain circuits, – leading to improvements in listening, auditory processing, motor skills and other areas of cognition. (K. L. Hyde, J. Lerch, A. Norton, M. Forgeard, E. Winner, A. C. Evans, and G. Schlaug, “Musical Training Shapes Structural Brain Development,” Journal of Neuroscience 29 (2009): 3019–3025)

3) Dance training, and mastering physical skills in general like theater arts, strengthens certain brain areas and activates an “action observation network” which improves motivation and social intelligence.(Grafton, S.T. “What Can Dance Teach Us about Learning?” (2010). Cerebrum: Emerging Ideas in Brain Science. Washington, D.C. Dana Press)