The Mozart Effect
Posted on November 9, 2004
Filed Under Cognition/Development, Music |
The term “Mozart Effect” has been around for a while. The term was coined in 1997 by Don Campbell, who wrote a book with that same title.
The author’s thought and results of research is encapsulated by the subheading of the book: “Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body, Strengthen the Mind, and Unlock the Creative Spirit.”
The book spurred development of a different type. Countless compact discs and toys have sprung up to benefit financially from the Mozart Effect Movement.
As the story goes, W.A. Mozart was exposed to music while he was sill in the womb. But he didn’t listen to his own compositions, so why is his music recommended for babies and pre-babies?
According to Campbell, the reasoning stems from the sonata-allegro form. Why that form specifically? The sonata-allegro form is based around a pattern: exposition (theme), development, and recapitulation (repetition of the theme). This pattern becomes something that developing minds (allegedly) can recognize and come to expect. Since Mozart is considered a master of this form of music, the composer’s works are used as the best tools.
Campbell stresses relation of the two ideas, routine and music. He urges parents to include music as part of a daily routine with their child, not necessarily as a separate feature of the routine. This way, music is simply incorporated into what the child expects every day.
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