ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

So does this mean that just because I listen to Jennifer Lopez sing my butt won't be nicer?

Gordon Shaw & co-researchers conducted the original research with college students, not young children, and they never claimed otherwise. Also, the tasks that were measured after subjects listened to Mozart were very specific (I think it was related to visual-spatial skills). The researchers never claimed anything about young children at all- their findings were kind of hijacked by the press (who coined the term, "Mozart Effect"), and then Don Campbell copyrighted the term and in 1997 wrote a book with the same name. I've always felt bad for the original researchers, as they are not at fault for the way their work was taken out of context and overgeneralized. At one point they were going to conduct research specifically with young children (a joint project with the assistance of Parents As Teachers in Missouri) but I don't know if it ever came to pass. It's a shame how consumers have been tricked by people trying to capitalize on the "Mozart Effect" hype- the money spent on related items each year is staggering. The benefits of developmentally appropriate music experiences for young children cannot be denied, but just listening to Mozart (or any other classical composer) will not "make them smarter."

Yeah! Keep printing this. This is a huge misconception. And maybe have a look at what was published recently in the Boston Globe about little ones and touch screens!

It is amazing to me that the research has been misinterpreted. I, too, have worked in the field of music in early childhood and there is more research to support on-going, good music curriculum for young children than for promoting listening to Mozart. It doesn't mean we should stop listening - because exposure to a variety of musical styles is good- but it will not increase intelligence!

I question this mini excerpt as included in today’s Exchange Every Day offering. Yes, DVD watching has been found to be detrimental. This is understandable. DVD watching is primarily a passive activity, non interactive, and impersonal to note a few obvious problems. Listening to music is not the same thing and this is like comparing apples with oranges. I believe the author should look further into research done on the relationship between exposure to classical music and overall learning. Also review some of Howard Gardner's work.
I do agree one must go beyond listening to a brief musical composition with an expectation that this is a recipe for educational success. Reflecting on the content of music that young children are exposed to each day, should receive further examination.