The Mozart Effect – Myth or Fact?
The Mozart Effect is the theory that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed music that offers a series of benefits for human beings and for babies.
But contrary to what some think, the Mozart Effect does not increase intelligence in children.
The Mozart effect is only a myth: it has no influence on the minds of little ones.
However, we do want you to know the other benefits of having your baby listen to pieces by this Austrian composer and pianist.
Why Mozart’s music?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was an extremely gifted child who started composing when he was only 5 years old. He was adept at performing, above all, on the violin and some keyboard-based instruments.
In his short, but fruitful life (1756-1791) this musical genius created more than 600 highly valued pieces.
Scientific studies conducted over the span of several years tried to attribute additional qualities to the composer’s creations beyond their musical value. Thus the Mozart Effect was born a “scientific” theory, defended by countless researchers.
The Mozart effect on stimulating babies
A conglomerate of expert opinions, investigations, and speculations began in 1991 following the publication of a book. It was ultimately concluded that his music is unique in the number of beats per minute, high frequency, and many other specifications.
Thus, it is vital to clarify that Mozart’s music does generate a series of favorable stimuli for the emotional development of babies.
Mozart pieces and, especially, some of his creations such as the popular K488 (Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major) provide therapeutic benefits in the first few months and years of life.
Listening to Mozart activates several areas of the brain, transmits encouragement, joy, positivity and serves to awaken musical taste at a young age.
Conclusion:
More than just going viral, the Mozart effect became a massive deception. It was protected by the idea that something as sublime as music could affect children’s intelligence or IQ.
It may have been perpetuated by the ever-increasing need that humans have to convert any new idea into a commodity. The Mozart Effect moved through the grapevine and Mozart’s music entered into many homes.
The Mozart effect – myth or fact?
The idea that the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or any other composer increases intelligence and concentration, or activates areas of the brain that are responsible for motor coordination, or facilitates the learning process in babies is simply not true.
If you want to have an intelligent, healthy and happy baby, strengthen your relationship with them. Talk to them, sing to them, participate in their games.
We recommend that you take them out for a walk to discover the world, and give them new objects and toys with bright colors.
Read stories, make up stories, caress them, kiss them and show them you love them.
However, to enhance the aforementioned benefits, while sleeping and at a low relaxing volume, let them listen to the work of Mozart.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Campbell, D. (1999). Efecto Mozart. Ediciones Urano.
- Ordoñez Morales, E., Sánchez Reinoso, J. S., Sánchez Maldonado, M. M., Romero Haro, C. E., & Bernal Iñiguez, J. D. (2011). Análisis del Efecto Mozart en el desarrollo intelectual de las personas adultas y niños. https://dspace.ups.edu.ec/handle/123456789/8378
- Mata Calderón, M. G., & Polanco Bravo, C. P. (2016). Efecto Mozart en Prematuros (Bachelor’s thesis, Universidad del Azuay). http://201.159.222.99/handle/datos/4999