According to Daniel Levitin, a cognitive psychologist and neurologist, humans can recognize songs in any pitch (“Interview”). This means if “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is played with a different set of notes; humans would still recognize the song. If songs with only the same rhythm are so recognizable, does this mean music is more important to humans than believed? Music is built into the human mind and music has multiple physical and cognitive effects.
The human brain is wired for music. According to Oliver Sacks, a late neurologist, human brains are wired for speech and children learn to speak if they are exposed to it. On the other hand, he says children are not wired for written language and children need to be taught how to write (Sacks, “Are Humans”). Sacks believes music is both wired and taught. He goes on to explain that the pulse and rhythm of music are built into a human’s brain and this is exclusively for humans (“Are Humans”). Daniel Levitin believes music played an important part in human evolution. He goes on to say that the brain has an enormous memory for music and humans would not have this unless it was important (Levitin, “Interview”).
Next, music has a positive effect on the brain and body. Listening to music releases several different chemicals into the
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Sacks explains the significant effects of exposing children to music early in their lives (“Importance”). If children are exposed to music and understand music sooner, they will experience the cognitive and physical effects much earlier. These effects include the release of dopamine, prolactin and oxytocin. Also, strengthened reading skills, memory, and attentiveness. This can help students academically and in everyday life. Lastly, music uses many parts of the brain while listening or playing. No other activity or sport causes the brain to work use so many areas at one time (Sacks, “How