[color#33ffff]BlipBlapBam's[color#000000]Physical and Physiological Advantages Related to Music[color#000000]     Participating in musical activities is advantageous as it allows us to further develop physically and physiologically, and furthermore allows us to better ourselves throughout life. Music is an aspect of life most people cannot escape. Like math, music is a product of human creation which allows it to often convey emotions to its listeners. Dancing, singing, and humming are just some of the examples we can physically relate to music. Physiologically, research has shown that music has effects on our personality and even further develops us in this regard. People of all ages, especially developing chil***n and senior citizens benefit from music, particularly in terms of well being and developing positive character traits, such as empathy. (Coffman and Hawkins 1) Experimental studies, as well as scientific experiments have concluded that playing an instrument and participating in various types of ensembles even grants musicians a physical and physiological learning advantage. (Tucker 1) (Hawkins 2) A noteworthy statistical study demonstrated that musicians, especially in wellfunded band programs, earn higher standardized test scores, and even increase their schools attendance rates. (Bryant) With these being just a few of the limitless advantages of being more involved musically, it is to be concluded that the activity is extremely advantageous in multiple regards. [color#000000]     Of the many advantages related to musical participation, one of the most easily seen improvements lies in the physical region. Instrumentalists physically develop body structures such as their tongue, jaw, and fingers to create sound which over time and rigorous training develops instrumental technique. These movements are often executed in a coordinated matter and must be precise. Considering that professional instrumentalists are able to develop their technical skills to near human perfection, it should no surprise that these structures can be applied to other aspects of reality other than music. An experiment conducted by Matthew Tucker of the Department of Biomedical Sciences University of South Carolina School of Medicine demonstrated the fine motor abilities of musicians, and if these abilities could be applied to reality. This experiment involved a sample including noninstrumentalists as well as instrumentalists whose instruments require fine motor skills. (Tucker 1) The subjects of the experiment were instructed to undergo a typing test which was concluded to accurately represent an initial skill level as well as a subjects ability to improve. The instrumentalists not only initially performed better but moreover displayed an ability to improve their scores more efficiently. (Tucker 1)  Their efficiency is a product of playing an instrument, and it appears that this physical learning advantage is directly proportional to being involved in musical activities. This research also implies that there are concealed neurophysiological advantages gained from playing an instrument however, we currently cannot investigate this claim with our current technology.  (Tucker 1) [color#000000]  [color#000000]     The ability to reduce the effects of an illness improves well being and physical health. (Raymond 1) A study directed by Raymond Lucia and published in The Journal of Asthma demonstrated a wind instrumentalists ability to lessen these effects. Raymond wrote, The study conducted examined whether asthmatic teenagers that played wind instruments exhibited fewer bronchoconstriction symptoms. (Raymond 1) The population included two groups, both groups included asthmatic teenagers however one group consisted of wind instrumentalist whereas the other did not. (Raymond 1) The subjects were instructed to record a symptom diary, in which they would report all asthmatic related effects they experienced throughout the experiment. Instrumentalists generally reported less asthmatic related incidents compared to the other group, including less panic fear responses and mood changes as well as fatigue. The instrumentalists also were more confident in their ability to cope with the disease and viewed their health as superior to the noninstrumentalists. (Raymond 1) Not only does playing an instrument allow these people to feel less physical pain, it also increases their well being. [color#000000]     Empathy is considered an important characteristic in regard to well being, especially as one gains more material possessions. Not much is known about the development of empathy, which is why an experiment conducted by Allison Hawks, a former undergraduate student at East Tennessee University aimed to close this research gap. (Hawkins 1)  Hawkins stated, These studies usually focus on aspects of development that can be easily be observed, such as small or large motor skill development or test scores, (Hawkins 1) Hodges states that the first of a c***d's development are good for using music to stimulate the connections of nerve cells between the brain, which is necessary for optimal cognitive function. A principal tester controlled all aspects of the experiment and determined the level of empathy. Generally, chil***n were more empathetic after listening to music and executing synchronous movements to a beat then otherwise. (Hawkins 1) Hawkins also believes that music affects other aspects such as personality, but it is implied that we cannot currently research these aspects and so we cannot make assumptions. (Hawkins 1) This seems to be a shared idea amongst those that have dedicated research into the field of music psychology. [color#000000]A descriptive study, which is any study not considered experimental, was conducted involving senior citizens in a small midwestern city. (Coffman 1) These senior citizens all belonged to a volunteer wind ensemble, meaning members dedicate portions of their free time to perform music as a community. (Coffman 1) The studies intent was to clarify the mental and physiological effects of band, and prior research among senior citizens implied a need for active educational recreation were two quality of life aspects not being met these days. (Coffman 1) According to Coffman, Many of the subjects in the study reported that band was an essential part of their life, improving their well being, members often rated band as high of importance as family. (Coffman 1)  Coffman also stated, The subjects reported that personal wellbeing, accomplishment, and enriching recreational activities were important to a quality of life. (Coffman 1) It seems that band is satisfactorily meeting these needs. [color#000000]    Credible authors and verified experiments may not always be accurate despite their credibility. One thing that cannot be rebutted is a fact, and statistics are factual. The NAMM foundation gathered statistical data from schools across the United States with the intent of seeing if musicians possessed learning advantages. As stated previously it is believed that band grants physiological learning advantages and standardized test scores of the very few insights to this claim. (Tucker 1) (Hawkins 1) Musicians seemingly gain a learning advantage that is directly proportional to the amount of funding allocated to their schools music program. (Bryant 1) Students in top quality music programs nationally scored percent better on standardized math tests. (Bryant 1) Students studying music also scored exceptionally higher math and reading scores than students not involved in their schools band program. (Bryant 1) Chil***n studying music statistically have larger vocabularies than those that do not, and it should also be noted that attendance rates are approximately ten percent better in schools with musical programs than those that do not. These factual statistics contribute to the idea that music grants physiological advantages, especially in terms of adaptability and learning. It is important to remember that a higher intelligence may open up more educational opportunities such as scholarships or outstanding test scores which assist in furthering one's education. With that being said, it may be assumed that the ability to play an instrument may allow students to become more successful throughout their lives. [color#000000]     Participating in musical activities allows us to develop ourselves physically and physiologically, and allows us to further ourselves throughout life. This conclusion is attributed to verified experiments, experimental studies, and factual statistics. Although we do not have the technology to investigate more complex physiological connections, experiments and studies have shown that being musically involved allows you to develop your intelligence, empathy, and well being. (Bryant 1) (Hawkins 1) (Coffman) Experiments demonstrated the physical advantages of playing instruments, such as their ability to lessen the effects of asthma as well as developing fine motor skills and the ability to learn new ones. (Tucker 1) (Raymond 1) Statistical evidence furthermore implies that studying music grants learning advantages and may open up more educational opportunities which in turn may grant you more opportunities throughout life. [color#000000]Works Cited [color#000000]Music is Advantageous in Multiple Applications. Tucker, Matthew A. , et al Experience Playing  [color#000000]a Music Instrument and Overnight Enhance Performance on a Sequential Typing  [color#000000]Task EBSCO Host, 29 July 2016. [color#000000]Raymond, Lucia Effects of Playing a Musical Wind Instruments in Asthmatic Teenagers.          [color#000000]Taylor & Francis Online, 2 July 2009. [color#000000]Coffman, Don D., and Mary S. Adariek. [color#000000]Music Therapy Perspectives [color#000000]. Vol. 17, American Music  [color#000000]Association. [color#000000]Hawkens, Allison, The Effects of Music and Synchrony on the Development of Empathy in  [color#000000]Young Chil***n. (2013) Undergraduate Honors theses. Paper 72  [color#000000]Bryant, Sharon. How Chil***n Benefit From Music Education in Schools. NAMM  [color#000000]Foundation, 9 June 2014.