Embodied Music Cognition
Found in: About The Method, Other Methods, Playing-Based Methodology
Ian B., California
EMBODIED MUSIC COGNITION
Has anyone else heard of this fascinating new field of research related to Embodied Cognition Psychology? I am finding the topic extremely groundbreaking, especially related to
-Simply Music’s unique multi-layered approach,
-the importance of teaching in groups,
-and now the challenges of teaching via online/virtual platforms, which have made previously intuitive interactions such a chore to reproduce.
I invite you to find out more here (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embodied_music_cognition)
and here (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-words/201202/embodied-cognition-what-it-is-why-its-important)
If any of you have experience or additional knowledge in this field, I’d love to hear more from you in the comments.
Ruth P., North Carolina
I’ve not heard of this field before, but it reminds me a bit of https://interplay.org. I am involved in this approach which gives credence to the wisdom of the body. It involves music, movement, storytelling and improv. I love it.
Sierra V., Australia
Not exactly the same thing but in a lot of music therapy literature there’s a huge emphasis on music+movement as a vehicle for physiological, psychological and emotional change! They really acknowledge and emphasise that music taps into our innate rhythmic sense and link that to whatever is needed (e.g to develop a physical skill or means of relaxation), it’s called entrainment. All very fascinating and aligned to the SM approach!
Ruth P., North Carolina
Dalcroze is awesome too. I always wished I had gone into that. https://dalcrozeusa.org/about-dalcroze/what-is-dalcroze/
Susan M., California
I’d like to check out both of these! Simply Music Gateway’s for special needs teacher instruction addresses some related issues.
Maureen K., California
Interesting. Yeah, teaching online seems to divorce the body from the process to the nth degree. Sigh.
Ian B., California
Maureen Karpan My interest in this topic is directly related to that issue (online teaching) as I don’t actually think that the “divorce” from a more physical “embodied” experience should be a foregone conclusion. From what I’m reading and from what I’ve experienced, it depends on the teacher’s approach! I am actively seeking methods and practices that will help me in transforming my students’ relationship to “virtual lessons” in a positive way, and I think finding ways to emphasize and exercise embodied musical expression will ultimately transcend the communication medium.
Ruth P., North Carolina
When my students are doing reading rhythm virtually, I have them show the pulse somewhere on their body. Sometimes they Tap the left leg with their hand, some nod their head and some sway from side to side. Trying to get the embodied part in there when I can
Original discussion started October 28, 2020