Music and the Brain: The Science of Learning & Practice Part One

Dr. Molly Gebrian joins Alexa Terry on the Singing Teachers Talk podcast Ep.164 for the first of a two parter to discuss the neuroscience of learning and its application to teaching and practising. The conversation covers brain organisation, neural pathways, myelin, learning processes, the impact of age on learning, and the importance of understanding brain science for both teachers and students.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The brain's learning process is influenced by developmental factors like puberty and ageing. Children's brains are highly adaptable, efficiently absorbing information due to neurochemical changes that support rapid learning. As they age, myelination reinforces neural pathways, enhancing communication. In contrast, ageing adults need focused attention to learn, influenced by interests, commitment, and sustained focus. Developmental changes and age-related neurochemical differences impact the brain's learning ability.
BEST MOMENTS
"It just shows that we’re all different, that you can do anything you want."
"The brain is always working as one”
"There are physical changes that have to happen in the brain when we're learning."
"As adults, we need to have focused attention in order to be able to learn."
EPISODE RESOURCES
Guest Website:
www.mollygebrian.com
Social Media:
Dr. Molly Gebrian - UA-cam
Relevant Links & Mentions:
The work of Hermann Ebbinghaus
BBC CrowdScience: Why is Learning Stuff Harder as You Get Older? www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct...
Neuroscience for Teachers by Richard Churches, Eleanor Dommett & Ian Devonshire
ABOUT THE GUEST
Dr. Molly Gebrian is a professional violist and scholar with a background in cognitive neuroscience. Her area of expertise is applying the research on learning and memory to practicing and performing music. She also investigates the intersections between music and language. As a performer, she prioritizes the works of living composers and those who have traditionally been excluded from the culture of classical music. She holds degrees in both music and neuroscience from Oberlin College and Conservatory, New England Conservatory of Music, and Rice University. Previously, she was the viola professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of Arizona. After a decade of teaching viola at the collegiate level, she will join the faculty at New England Conservatory of Music in Fall 2024 to teach courses on the science of practicing.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
FUTURE PODCAST SUGGESTIONS
Do you have a burning question on the voice or being a singing teacher? Maybe you have a topic you want us to explore or a guest you’d like to hear from? Let us know by completing the Podcast Suggestion Form: forms.gle/naUum9N3unzNMPLN8
ABOUT BAST TRAINING
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher. Whether you are just getting started, have some knowledge gaps you want to fill or if you wish to gain a singing teacher qualification, we're here for you.
www.basttraining.com
"The BAST course has given me so much confidence to be able to share knowledge and understanding about the voice, as well as helping me to gain a greater understanding of what being a teacher actually entails.” Danny Gortler, UK
“The BAST course was exactly what I was looking for and has been a tremendous help, not only in giving me the tools and confidence to teach, but it has also helped my own singing! I’m now getting comments at my gigs that I’m singing better than ever. Win-win! I’m now a vocal nerd in the making!” Nat Ripepi, Aust
“The BAST course gave an incredibly thorough overview of effective, healthy methods of improving a student’s singing ability. I really enjoyed better understanding the mechanism of sound production, and learning how to assess and problem solve in a very responsible, appropriate and practical way!” Rändi Fay, USA
DOWNLOAD OUR QUALIFICATION COURSE BROCHURE
Level 5 Singing Teacher Qual: basttraining.s3.eu-west-1.ama...
GOT QUESTIONS?
Book a free call: basttraining.com/bookacall/
CONNECT
Updates: bit.ly/BASTUpdates
Email: [e-mail]
Free FB Group: / beasingingteacher
LISTEN
Click here: linktr.ee/basttraining