Enhancing learning using music to achieve a balanced brain

Abstract

Past research has shown that a balanced brain induces healthier living. Balanced brainwaves helps to enhance critical learning (left brain) and creativity (right brain) therefore, it is assumed that productivity is maximized by those who use both sides of their brains. This paper presents the outcome of a preliminary research that explores the potential of using music to enhance learning by inducing human subjects to use both sides of their brains. An earlier preliminary research in comparing brainwave activity had shown that the left side of the brainwaves is more dominant in engineering students. This research aims to explore if music will help enhance the learning abilities of engineering students by balancing their left and right brainwaves. Live violin music was exposed to an engineering student. The student's brainwave activities during exposure to the music were recorded using an Electroencephalogram (EEG) machine. Preliminary results indicated that the subject's left and right brain, especially in Alpha band, was balanced while listening to the music. Future studies will look in detail as to on how violin music, in terms of power and frequency of sound waves, can induce and enhance learning.