music on the brain

Shir Dyer is a Los Angeles based music therapist via northern New Jersey. After graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2012, Shir began her work with those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease before landing at Able ARTS Work in 2016, where she is currently working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Shir has presented at three Western Region American Music Therapy Association conferences on the research that Able ARTS Work is doing with early childhood intervention.

Shir is passionate about using music to help people of all abilities reach their full potential and believes that music can be a powerful tool for communication, expression, and social interaction. Building an inclusive environment is part of not only Shir’s mission, but also of Able ARTS Work. Able ARTS Work provides creative arts vocational, educational, and therapeutic opportunities primarily for individuals in southern California but also reaches a global community. The organization has many partners which enables them to bring music and arts-based opportunities to a larger audience.

On Music and Memory...

When you listen to a song you can typically pin point a thought or memory that you have associated with it. Music has a special way of activating a core memory. One of the most impressive things about music is that it effects almost every part of the brain, including the areas involved in memory formation. This means that music can help us to remember new information more easily. It can also trigger a past experience, or it can set the tone for a future one. Most commonly though, music affects how we associate with our memories. When we hear a familiar song, it can trigger memories of events or people that we have associated with that song. This is because music, helps to create strong emotional associations.

Music can be used for much simpler purposes too: movement. The brain can determine the beat of a song faster than you can even begin to move your body. The brain associates music with motor skills which is why movement and music go together so well. Generally, when listening to upbeat music, it gives you energy. If you have energy, you might be inclined to exercise and the combination of music and exercise can improve quality of life, improve physical health and increase social skills.

On Making a Playlist that is right for you...

Listen to music in an environment where you are most comfortable. Choose music that you enjoy and that evokes the emotions you are looking to emote. Listen to music that is meaningful to you. Note the lyrics and the melody of the music and how it makes you feel.