MUSIC MAKING (PLAYING AN INSTRUMENT OR SINGING) is a multimodal activity that involves the integration of auditory and sensorimotor processes. The ability to sing in humans is evident from infancy, and does not depend on formal vocal training but can be enhanced by training. Given the behavioral similarities between singing and speaking, as well as the shared and distinct neural correlates of both, researchers have begun to examine whether singing can be used to treat some of the speech-motor abnormalities associated with various neurological conditions. This paper reviews recent evidence on the therapeutic effects of singing, and how it can potentially ameliorate some of the speech deficits associated with conditions such as stuttering, Parkinson's disease, acquired brain lesions, and autism. By reviewing the status quo, it is hoped that future research can help to disentangle the relative contribution of factors to why singing works. This may ultimately lead to the development of specialized or "gold-standard" treatments for these disorders, and to an improvement in the quality of life for patients.
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April 2010
Research Article|
April 01 2010
The Therapeutic Effects of Singing in Neurological Disorders
Catherine Y. Wan,
Catherine Y. Wan
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School
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Theodor Rüber,
Theodor Rüber
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School
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Anja Hohmann,
Anja Hohmann
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School
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Gottfried Schlaug
Gottfried Schlaug
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School
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Music Perception (2010) 27 (4): 287–295.
Citation
Catherine Y. Wan, Theodor Rüber, Anja Hohmann, Gottfried Schlaug; The Therapeutic Effects of Singing in Neurological Disorders. Music Perception 1 April 2010; 27 (4): 287–295. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/mp.2010.27.4.287
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