Forum Music and Age
Musical learning in old age has its own laws, which have already been well described in research. At a scientific event at the Bern University of the Arts (HKB), the basic principles were outlined.
The forum "Perspectives on musical learning and teaching in old age" on March 29 in Bern was the kick-off event for the CAS "Musical Learning in Old Age" offered at the HKB, which will enter its second round in fall 2014. In terms of the density of the information provided, this crash course itself had a high continuing education value.
According to recent research, neuronal plasticity continues into old age. This can now be proven beyond doubt using brain scanners. The long-held prejudice that older people can no longer learn anything new has therefore been permanently invalidated. This is especially true when it comes to learning an instrument. Demand in the 50-plus teaching segment is increasing and demographic data suggests that this is likely to be a growth market - reason enough to take a closer look at it scientifically.
It's never too late
"Lifelong learning is possible", emphasized the two hosts Regula Stibi, Head of the Continuing Education Department at the HKB, and Corinne Holtz, Head of the CAS "Musical Learning in Old Age" course. They welcomed an interested and committed group of participants and four guests.
Eckhart Altenmüller, Professor of Music Physiology at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, explained the effect of music on the brain and demonstrated this with images of scanned brains. When a person begins to make music, previously unconnected regions of the brain soon become rewired and the nerve cords expand. Stimulation of the auditory center during musical activities has been shown to have positive effects on emotional and social competence, language acquisition and cognitive processes. This also applies to older and very old people. In addition, regular music-making is said to have a healing or preventative effect: Among other things, making music makes it possible to build up a "cognitive reserve", which can significantly postpone any dementia. Although the brain shrinks with age, it retains the ability to adapt through new networks, compensate for lost abilities and find new strategies. This is particularly important in complex professions such as teachers, therapists, musicians and doctors.
