Chapter 16 Experimental Evidence on Connections between Speech and Music
Possible Applications on Learning
In: Good Teachers for Tomorrow's SchoolsSearch for other papers by Minna Huotilainen in
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Search for other papers by Teija Kujala in
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Abstract
Some researchers consider music and speech as alternative means of communication, containing somewhat similar but still distinct acoustic features to carry information from the player, singer, or speaker to the listener. These low-level similarities in speech and music as acoustic signals form the starting point for experimental research comparing automatic neural processes in perceiving music and speech. Importantly, there is also evidence that learning occurs in these low-level neural processes due to exposure and training. We review the influence of music on language systems. We also discuss some recent evidence showing that musical training can have a positive effect on speech perception and neural processing of speech signals. Finally, we propose some possible applications of music interventions on learning of speech perception in early childhood education and in schools.